The Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Bowling Program, in just its second year of existence, already has a State Tournament appearance under its belt.
Six boys are back from that state qualifier team. They are juniors Damian Dodge, Jack Mastbergen, Dawson Niichel and Skyler Shaffer and sophomores Caleb Aaron and Riley Russell. Mastbergen also qualified for State as an individual.
The five Hawks returning to the Girls team are seniors Keyanna Brower, Lexi Croatt, Meghan Larson and Annika Overmire and sophomore Jordan Lux. Senior Heather Elgersma is back after missing last season due to a medical issue, joining sophomore newcomer Lillian Van Loon.
“We have one new girl,” noted HMS coach Julia Meyer. “We also have many returning boys that are showing promise in being consistent and good bowlers, along with several freshmen that are promising players.” The other Boys bowlers are Jackson Brower, Luke Dagel, Hector Diaz, Blake Essing, Moises Gonzalez, Ryan Grotluschen, Brenden Larson, Graham Lux, Eli Mastbergen, Braden Niichel, Noah Niichel, Aiden Nitzel, Parker Russell, Brennan Stoltz, Brett Stoltz, Owen Tifft and Ian Werkmeister.
Last year’s success is setting the tone for this year. “We want to keep the experience of winning district competition and going to state bowling competition be the driving force for both teams,” said Meyer.
The Hawks’ preparation will not see much change moving into its second season. “We are not really doing anything different,” explained the coach. “We are getting in the bowling game reps and fundamentals practices and games practice. We want to keep improving our strike and spare shooting so it becomes second nature.”
Meyer indicated that this year’s schedule will be very similar to the one they navigated last season. “The schedule will be very similar to last year,” she said. “We have nine events scheduled. I feel it will be about the same, however we can’t take any team lightly.”
The Hawks opened the season November 28, hosting MMCRU at Locomotion Lanes in Sanborn. That is also the site for the November 30 match with Sergeant Bluff-Luton. “We are looking forward to our first meets and see where we need to improve,” said Meyer. “We want to thank Locomotion Lanes for all they do for the high school bowling program and we appreciate all the support of parents and the community.”
When asked about the program’s goals for season, Meyer responded, “Of course we want to get to State, that is the ultimate goal, but also improve our season records and have a winning season for both Boys and Girls teams.

HMS Bowling Schedule

Coach: Julia Meyer
Thursday, Nov. 30, JV/V, Sergeant Bluff-Luton, Locomotion Lanes – Sanborn, 4:00
Tuesday, Dec 5, Spencer Invitational, Spencer Bowl, 4:00
Tuesday, Dec. 12, JV/V, West Sioux, at Hawarden, 4:30
Tuesday, Jan. 16, Triangular (Emmetsburg, West Sioux), Locomotion Lanes – Sanborn, 4:30
Tuesday, Jan. 23, JV/V, Pocahontas Area, at Pocahontas, 4:00
Friday, Jan. 26, JV/V, Sioux Central, Locomotion Lanes – Sanborn, 4:30
Tuesday, Feb. 6, JV/V, OABCIG, Locomotion Lanes – Sanborn, 4:30