Canfield bowlers in state tourney today

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The Canfield boys bowling team was district runners-up last weekend and earned a trip to the state finals today at Wayne Webbs Columbus Bowl in Columbus.

Canfield High’s Ben Shoman didn’t feel as though last Sunday would be an extraordinary day.

He did, however, expect his Cardinals’ team to finish in the top five and advance to today’s state bowling championship in Columbus at Wayne Webb Lanes.

Shoman’s 289 roll and 813 series, both career highs, topped all individual charts at this year’s northeast district championship as Canfield (4,187) finished runner-up at Crest Lanes to advance to today’s state tourney at 11 a.m.

“It was just a feeling when I got up, but I really didn’t expect to bowl that well today,” Shoman said. “My mindset is to always bowl my best and help the team, but today just happened to be a career day and I’ll take it.

“Going to the state for the very first time is a great feeling,” Shoman said. “If we keep bowling like we did today, then we’ll be fine next weekend.”

Shoman’s 813 series was the first 800 series in northeast district competition since the Ohio High School Athletic Association began sanctioning in the 2006-07 season.

The only thing separating Shoman, a sophomore, from perfection was a pulled ball.

“I already had a strike in the 10th frame but pulled the ball to the left on my 11th throw,” Shoman said.

Shoman’s teammate, Andrew Letscher, rolled a 698 series which was second best overall while his 255 roll was sixth overall.

“I got up in the morning and threw up twice,” Letscher said. “Being sick, I started out slow so to finish with a 698 was a good finish. Ben was phenomenal today and the key to our second-place finish.”

Canfield coach Carl Hurd is in his seventh season. He said making a first trip to the state is an extremely gratifying feeling.

“It’s a very exciting time for our team, especially the seniors,” Hurd said. “They’ve worked hard all season long and this is their reward.

“I cannot say enough about Ben and Andrew’s performance today,” Hurd said. “Both players stepped up when the others were struggling and that was the key.”