Experience pays off for Struthers champ

Photo

Corey Bayus

Top Athlete: Corey Bayus

Video

Corey Bayus never met a lane condition he didn’t like — like the ones laid down for the boys state bowling tournament the last two years.

“It wasn’t much different,” Bayus said of the oil pattern at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl on March 5, comparing it to the shot he nearly mastered a year ago at Shawnee Lanes in Chillicothe where he finished third state-wide.

“It was relatively the same from last year, which is why, I think, I excelled,” Bayus said of his state-best 697, which ruled individual three-game scores this time.

“I was fairly confident that morning,” said Bayus, a Struthers junior who was with his team. “We just wanted to get out there and bowl. Those around get you pumped up.”

During his first game of 212, Bayus found the boards tight, so he moved a few boards to his right.

“The lanes didn’t change a whole lot for the second game; it was just a matter of making quality shots,” said Bayus, who added a 227 before finishing with 258.

“For the third game, the left lane was a few boards looser than the right, so I played both lanes differently. Then it was the continuation of a quality shot.”

Bayus didn’t know that he was state champion until a break in the tournament.

“It still hasn’t hit me yet,” Bayus said of his accomplishment and All-Ohio designation for a second straight year.

Bayus’ 219 average for the season was second to teammate Joey DiLoreto, one of four departing seniors.

Since his career highlight, you’d think that Bayus would sleep with the World Beater by Columbia 300, the ball with which he shares a special place.

“It’s just another bowling ball,” he said.

He is the son of Paul and Theresa Bayus.