Elks-Beavers duel brings out best in both, coaches say

Evenly matched. Without a doubt.

The Centerville and Beavercreek boys high school bowling teams have 10-1 conference records in the competitive National East Division of the Greater Western Ohio Conference. Less than a pin separates the team averages, with Centerville having a slight edge, 206.2 to 205.4.

The Elks have had two varsity bowlers post perfect games this season, senior Dylan

Dobran and sophomore Wally Jaber. But it’s the Beavers who

have the top two averages overall in the GWOC, as sophomore

Michael Donohue and senior

Matthew Klingbeil are averaging 232.1 and 228.2, respectively.

Beavercreek coach Bob Bobbitt and Centerville coach Andy Parker agree their GWOC rivals bring out the best in their teams.

“I think it makes all of us a lot stronger that we play each other all season,” Bobbitt said. “And it helps get us ready for the postseason.”

The Division I sectional tournament is a few weeks away, but Beavercreek and Centerville have one more major regular-season test, as the Elks will host the Beavers on Monday at 4 p.m. at Poelking South for their Senior Night. Beavercreek won the previous regular-season meeting by 27 pins Jan. 23.

“There is a lot on the line

Monday,” Parker said.

Both teams are used to pressure situations, having faced off

in the finals of multiple tournaments. They aren’t alone, as GWOC success is a rule, not

an exception, season after season. In tournaments this season, a GWOC team has won 65 percent of the events in which

it had one or more teams competing.

“Our conference isn’t just the strongest in the area, it’s one of the strongest in the state,” Bobbitt said.

And the National East isn’t the only tightly contested division, as Sidney and Butler are deadlocked at 12-1 in the Ameri

can North.

“If you think about getting kids ready for the sectional, district and state, there’s no better preparation than playing in the GWOC,” Parker said.

While there will be few surprises as the familiar foes clash Monday, there is no lack of motivation.

“I can tell you, without a doubt, that both teams want to beat each other,” Bobbitt said.