Thumbs-up for Centerville’s Dobran
determined to give it his all. That effort netted him a second-place individual finish at the Division I state tournament at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl. A sizable blister was a small price to pay as Dobran finished with 247-258-225–730, second only to Justin Moyer, of Cuyahoga Falls, who rolled a 788.
“I bowled well, but I still wish I got a few more pins,” he said.
Dobran’s state success came as no surprise to Centerville coach Andy Parker.
“It was a very demanding (oil) pattern and he threw the ball really well,” Parker said. “He’s been getting smarter, making better choices. I get on him about being too hard on himself and he’s been doing better.”
There hasn’t been much to critique this season as — in addition to claiming the state runner-up singles title — Dobran tied the Elks’ individual high game with a 300 and broke the school three-game high series with a 781.
“He has had a good year all around,” Parker said. “And I look for him to do even better next year.”
Both Parker and Dobran are also hoping the Elks do even better next year. The Centerville boys, making their third consecutive state tournament appearance, placed third. They were eighth in 2015 and fourth in 2016.
“I really wanted to be in the championship match,” Dobran said. “And we were so close.”
Centerville lost to eventual state champion Westerville Central 3-1 in the semifinals. The Elks, winners of four tournaments during the 201617 season, lose one bowler to graduation and gain Dobran’s younger brother Ian in the fall.
Big brother is already doing his part to prepare for next season. No sooner did he return from the state tournament than he was competing in a Junior Tournament Bowlers Association event on Sunday. While he still has another year of high school competition, Dobran has his sights set on competing in the collegiate ranks.
“That’s absolutely what I want to do,” he said. “And then go pro.”
BOYS D-I LOCAL STATE PLACERS
2. Wapakoneta 3. Centerville 7. Vandalia Butler 2. Dylan Dobran
Centerville 6. Drew Sack
Vandalia Butler 8. Hunter Schlegel
Fairmont