Strike After Strike: Hawkeyes Power Through Sectional Play

COOPERSTOWN— The Cooperstown Hawkeyes bowling team brought home two major victories last week, earning top honors in both sectional and conference competition.

On Sunday, February 1, the Hawkeyes competed at the Section III Championships at AMF Strike & Spare Lanes in Mattydale, facing nine other districts.

“The boys rallied together and were able to come in first place for C/D class size schools,” Coach Braedy Sickler said. The team also placed second overall in Section III Division II. Finishing in the top four advanced Cooperstown to the afternoon head-to-head session, where teams competed for a state qualifier berth.

Entering as the second seed, the Hawkeyes faced third-seeded Beaver River in a race to three points. Despite a strong effort, Cooperstown fell 0–3.

The disappointment was short-lived.

On Wednesday, February 4, the Hawkeyes returned to the lanes for the Center State Conference Tournament at KingPin Lanes in Rome — and this time, they left as champions. Cooperstown maintained first place throughout the tournament to clinch the Center State Conference title.

“The boys battled against Adirondack, who were neck and neck all day,” Sickler said. “Cooperstown was able to stay in first place all tournament long.”

Wyatt Butts led the Hawkeyes with high game and high series honors, rolling a 238-201-225 (664) series. Joey Paterno followed with a strong 180-214-232 (626) series.

Butts, Paterno, Anthony McCoy, and Kaden Card will next compete individually in the Section III Shootout beginning Thursday, Feb. 26, at AMF Strike & Spare in Mattydale.