Watterson, Moran superb Spartans

Andrew Watterson and Ciarra Moran are more than your average bowlers. They’re high-average bowlers.

Watterson and Moran lead their respective Boardman High varsity squads for the 2008-2009 season.

Moran, a junior, not only has her team’s high average, but her 210.7 was high in the Federal League entering Friday’s match against Perry.

Moran has some bite in her bowling, having placed sixth at state last winter.

At the time, Boardman didn’t advance beyond sectionals, but Moran went on to district and then qualified for state in the individual category. Ciarra reached state as a freshman when she placed 40th.

“We’re hoping to go as a team this year,” Moran said of the Spartans, who haven’t lost a Federal League match yet.

Other varsity bowlers with Moran, who progressed through Camelot Majors, are: senior Franki Fuller, juniors Rachel Dugan, Amanda VanFossan, Angela Kaczowka and Devin Ferrell; sophomores Tiffany Terlecki and Tiffany Dugan and freshman Becca Babnic.

Moran enjoys the social aspect of bowling, but she also relishes the rewards of competition.

“I like getting to know and meet other people, but I also like the challenge of solving alley conditions and beating an opponent.”

The girls team is 15-1 overall (7-0 Federal) and the boys team is 14-2 (5-2 Federal).

Watterson, a senior, became the first Boardman High bowler to roll a 300 in competition.

It came against Fitch several weeks ago.

Watterson’s team-high 225.9 average was third-best in the Federal League, but will likely climb to the top following the Perry match.

This is the second varsity season for the 18-year-old Watterson, whose average improved from 185 as a freshman to 205 last season.

Watterson, who is a combination front desk/food service worker at Camelot Lanes, realizes that, although bowling doesn’t incorporate the violence of a Super Bowl, it does provide a competitive outlet.

“People don’t realize that there’s more to just rolling a ball and hitting pins,” said Watterson. “There are a lot of variables to the game, like the difficulty of oil conditions and the intense, mental and emotional aspect”

Take for example, his 300; it was an amazing journey.

“It was nerve-wracking, but, because it came during our rivalry with Fitch, it was a perfect time.”

However, Boardman lost the game, then lost the match on Jan. 6.

“It’s pretty anti-climactic when the coach says, ‘congratulations, but we’re down 40.’ After the 300, we had to buckle down because we had more work to do. I had to keep my composure.

“But it was real nice being in front of everybody and being a part of the Boardman-Fitch hype. You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting.”

For his 300, Watterson, a member of the Spartans’ band, in which he plays the quad drums, will receive a ring from the USBC.

On Feb. 6, the Spartans compete in the Federal League tournament at Park Center Lanes in Canton.

It’s the first year for the event, which is designed to cut down on travel costs. A good performance is critical since the tournament comprises 45 percent of a school’s score toward the league championship.

Tammy Haefke’s 299-719 topped women in Ron Haus Mix Matchers at Amron during week 20 of 32.