Canfield’s Letscher eyes return to state tourney

By Curtis Pulliam

cpulliam@vindy.com

CANFIELD

Andrew Letscher has been around bowling his whole life. Since he was 2 years old, he’s been bowling and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

The Canfield junior rolled a 300 game on Dec. 8 at Wedgewood Lanes against Boardman. It was Letscher’s third official 300 game.

“It just comes natural to me,” said Letscher about staying composed for the final strike.

For the son of Sarah and Martin Letscher, who are the owners of McKinley Lanes, bowling runs in the family.

“They didn’t force me to bowl it just runs in my blood,” Letscher said. “We all have bowling in common in a way.”

Martin was a professional bowler and Andrew is trying follow in his foot steps.

While not bowling for the Cardinals, Letscher travels the country and participates in youth tournaments.

“The tournaments are highly competitive,” Letscher said. “In high school, I like more of the team aspect and having to rely on others to win.”

Letscher has been on the varsity bowling team all three years and was a member of the 2013 state championship team.

“That was our first time going and we won,” Letscher said.

Last year, the Cardinals made it back to the state tournament but came up short.

However, Letscher is excited for what this year has in store.

“My goal is to get back to [state] and winning it,” Letscher said. “I want to help this develop a tradition of making it to [state].”

Letscher is a captain on this year’s squad and likes to help the younger kids on the team.

“We had solid teams my freshman and sophomore years,” Letscher said. “This year, we lost almost all of the seniors.”

Willing to step up, Letscher is averaging more than 230 pins on the season but was thrilled to bowl a 300.

“It was more edgarness than excitement,” Letcher said. “I’m excited to continue and help carry this team.”

Letscher is hoping his experience from traveling to Las Vegas and Buffalo among other places is something he can pass along.

“I want to teach my teammates some stuff that I know,” Letscher said.

One of them is staying level headed during matches.

“Consistency is the key,” Letscher said. “You have to be confident and not cocky.”

Although a junior, Letscher says he has been in touch with my colleges about bowling opportunities.

“I hoping to get away [from Ohio],” Letscher said.

But for now the 300 game is a moment Letscher will not forget.

“It was not my first 300 but it still feels good,” Letscher said.