Alter bowler earns state scholarship
Alter High School senior Mark Edsall was a leader on and off the lanes.
“He worked really, really hard and it showed,” Knights coach Bob Galpin said. “And his good attitude rubbed off on people.”
The Alter team captain was recently recognized as one of two recipients of the 2019 Ohio State United States Bowling Congress Scholarship. The $3,000 scholarships are awarded annually to two graduating seniors — one female and one male — for their scholastic and bowling achievements. Kailey Bonniwell, a senior at Jackson Local Schools in Massillon, was this year’s female recipient.
Edsall led the three-time GCL conference champion Knights with a 220 average and a 297 high game this season. Galpin has seen Edsall improve steadily since a freshman season when he averaged 157.
“He always wanted to know the how and why, he was always asking questions, trying to improve,” Galpin said. “His spare shooting now is phenomenal and he always came through for us in the clutch.”
It wasn’t just Edsall’s strikes and spares that Galpin appreciated.
“Mark was one of the kids that would always go over and help the freshmen, he really was the leader of the team,” he said. “I was proud to coach him.”
Edsall, 18, also found success in the classroom as he graduated with a 4.09 grade-point average. He was involved in the community, volunteering at a local nursing home and participating in church activities.
While Edsall is leaving the high school bowling ranks, he isn’t leaving the Knights behind as Galpin has asked him to help coach the Alter team next season.
■ Kretzer on a roll: Brian Kretzer posted his fourth PBA50 Regional title of the season with a win at the PBA50 Baldo Campana Memorial/Ohio Lottery Central/Midwest Open on May
11. The Kettering resident averaged 228 and was 6-4 in match play.
■ Bowling for a cause: The Let’s Strike-Out ALZ Bowling Event is slated for May 25 from 6-10 p.m. at Poelking Lanes, 1403 Wilmington Pike. Tickets are $40 per team for the four-game Baker doubles event with proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter. Call 937-2995573.