For the second time in its three years of existence, the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn boys bowling team has qualified for the Class 1A State Bowling Tournament. This is the third straight year that senior Jack Mastbergen will be heading to State as an individual. He is being joined by sophomore Luke Dagel who is making his first trip to State. Locomotion Lanes in Sanborn hosted the State Qualifying Meet on February 18.
Cadillac XBC in Waterloo is the site of State Tournament with the 1A individuals competing February 24 and the 1A teams February 26.
“The HMS boys were geared up for a challenging day of bowling, knowing that they needed to be at their peak to overcome the higher-ranked New Hampton boys team, MMCRU and the other competitors,” stated Hawk bowling coach Julia Meyer. “They had a clear mission: to qualify for state this year, and they were determined that no team would stand in their way.” 
“The day kicked off with 15 baker games to determine the team champion,” explained Meyer. “After the first five games, we were leading by 52 pins over the other four teams. By the 10th game, our lead had narrowed to 44 pins. HMS started strong in game 11 with a score of 254, expanding their lead to 99 pins. However, New Hampton fired back with an impressive 267 in the 13th game, compared to HMS’s 228, reducing the lead to 60.”
“It came down to only a three team race after the 10th game and then down to only two teams after the 12th game even though a big  300 game by MMCRU or Estherville would have given them a closer chance,” said Meyer. “We were only focused on keeping good scores going, strikes and spares.”
“In game 14, HMS scored 204 while New Hampton hit 221, further cutting the lead to 43 pins,” reported Meyer. “It all came down to the final game, with HMS holding on with a score of 179 against New Hampton’s 205. In the end, the HMS boys emerged victorious with a thrilling 17-pin win. It was a thrilling yet nerve-wracking conclusion to the team contest. Good job Hawks!”

Boys Team Scores (top team qualifies): HMS 2965, New Hampton 2948, MMCRU 2771, Estherville-Lincoln Central 2755, Forest City 2740.
15 HMS baker games: 192, 204, 202, 187, 212, 187, 173, 184, 192, 176, 254, 191, 228, 204, 179.
Following the excitement of a team victory, individual games took place in the afternoon. Each player bowled three games to determine the top four qualifiers for the State Tourney. “The competition was intense, with boys from all teams putting forth their best efforts,” noted Meyer. “HMS shone brightly with two boys securing spots in the top four, earning their chance to go to state. Jack Mastbergen delivered impressive scores of 224, 205 and 213, totaling 642. Luke Dagel followed closely with scores of 226, 176 and 237 for 639. Additionally, Dawson Niichel demonstrated a strong performance, ranking among the top eight players out of 33 with a 608 series.”
Meyer expressed special thanks to Josh Van Dam for his expertise and assistance at meets and  throughout the season. “His extensive bowling knowledge and experience were invaluable to all the bowlers,” shared Meyer. “We also extend our gratitude to Locomotion Lanes for their continuous support, providing practice facilities and hosting meets. We deeply appreciated the support from our fans and families during the State Qualifying day and throughout all the meets this year.”
HMS Boys Individual Results: Jack Mastbergen 224-205-213 – 642, Luke Dagel 226-176-237 – 639, Dawson Niichel 247-148-213 – 608, Eli Mastbergen 203-160-193 – 556, Graham Lux 189-190-150 – 529, Hunter Daggett 171-174-156 – 501.
Top Eight Individuals (top four qualify): Preston Crees, ELC, 673; Evan Wedebrand, ELC, 669; Jack Mastbergen, HMS, 642; Luke Dagel, HMS, 639; Chase Sorenson, Forest City, 632; Kody Kleen, New Hampton, 613; Jaxson Porath, New Hampton, 613; Dawson Niichel, HMS, 608.