Boys Bowling LOGAN BARTA Girard

Every athlete’s dream is to finish a varsity career at state. Girard senior bowler Logan Barta’s dream came true, but he credits his teammates and physical therapist Vince Ragozine for creating his final experience on the lanes.

“It’s really amazing how far we got,” Barta said of the Indians’ third trip to state in his four years as a varsity bowler.

The Girard captain capped his career on March 2 as the Indians finished fifth in the state at the Division II tournament at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl. Nathan Moore and Dylan Puz led the Indians with 688 and 662 to finish 12th and 13th in the state. Barta rolled a 660 to tie for 14th. Donny Bishop tied for 31st with 619. Jonathan Moore rolled 556.

“It’s crazy, a lot of adrenaline pumping,” Barta said of the atmosphere in the large bowling complex. “It’s pretty huge.”

Barta said experience helps, adding that he’s learned to block out distractions.

“You know what to expect — loud clapping, yelling, pins falling, pictures being taken,” Barta said. “There’s a lot going on.”

Girard finished 10th in Barta’s sophomore year and third last winter.

His final session almost didn’t happen. On Feb. 4, Barta injured his right hand (the one that holds the ball) and he wasn’t healthy enough to compete in the sectional and district tournaments.

“I had a torn lumbrical, hurt it during bowling,” Barta said, referring to a muscle in the hand. “It’s common in rock climbers.”

Pain made it impossible to hold a bowling ball, let alone control it.

Barta credits Ragozine with helping him heal in time for state competition.

“Probably the best treatment I’ve ever received,” Barta said.

The night before leaving for Columbus, he received treatment. The next day, he experimented with lighter balls, working his way up to his 16-pound ball.

Barta will attend Kent State University to major in human services. He hopes to someday work for his family’s foundation.

He plans to enter bowling tournaments when his schoolwork allows.

“I plan on bowling tournaments with my Dad [Adam],” he said.

Joseph Naples, Logan’s ninth-grade government teacher, motivated him.

“He’s inspiring,” said Barta of Naples. “He’s tells the truth and shows you what the real world is like.

“History is my favorite subject,” Barta said. “[When] I was little, I enjoyed talking about wars with my Grandpa.”

His favorite lanes?

“Holiday Bowl in Struthers,” Barta said. “It’s my favorite place to go.”

The bowlers’ success is another achievement for Girard’s Class of 2019. The football team finished state runner-up in Division IV and wrestler Jack DelGarbino finished as state runner-up.

“A lot of hard work,” Barta said of his classmates.

— Tom Williams, The Vindicator