Ready’s Roof heats up to earn first state berth
“Consistency” has been Ready bowler Tyler Roof ’s mantra as he approaches his first Division II state tournament appearance. It’s been preached by the sophomore and his coach, Russ Rehner.
Yet Roof owes his postseason run to marked improvement from his regular season, not to mention a crucial bit of help from his team.
After averaging 186.1 pins per game during the regular season, 59th in the Central Ohio High School Bowling Conference, Roof bowled a 662 series at district on Feb. 21 at HP Lanes — including two games of 226 after starting with a 210 — and tied for fourth to earn the second of two individual berths to state Saturday at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl.
“I just tried to stay consistent and focus on calming myself down if I hit some adversity,” said Roof, who did not bowl competitively until the beginning of his freshman year and was an offensive lineman for Ready’s Division IV, Region 15 semifinalist football team last fall. “When I step up to bowl, I take a few deep breaths, calm down and go. I think that really improved my average.
“The best thing I did at district was keep a consistent line. I wasn’t trying to change up my shot too much. I made a few small adjustments and it kept me going strong.”
It was quite a turn of events for Roof, whose 528 series at sectional placed him 31st and would not have been enough for him to earn an individual berth to district. However, the Silver Knights advanced as a team.
Ready then finished fourth (3,742) at district, two spots shy of qualifying for state.
Marion Pleasant (4,061) and Heath (3,813) advanced as teams.
Mechanicsburg sophomore Chris Ritchie won the district title (682).
Mechanicsburg and River Valley represented the Central District at the girls state tournament Friday. Fisher Catholic senior Cady Tipple (third at district, 610) and Ridgedale junior Aubrie Smith (fourth, 568) earned the individual berths and were making their state debuts. dpurpura@dispatch.com @dp_dispatch