Men's Bowling finishes second at Muskie Mash
After a week off, the Muskie bowling team hosted its only home tournament of the season Saturday at Legacy Lanes in Coshocton.
After a week off, the Muskie bowling team hosted its only home tournament of the season Saturday at Legacy Lanes in Coshocton. The tournament kicked off with a senior recognition of seniors Drew Johnson, John Jacobs, Brayden Speck, and Brody Wildenmann.
The Muskie Mash historically is a very difficult, low-scoring pace tournament, and the 2025 addition lived up to that "Legacy." Only five bowlers were able to go plus for the 3 team games, as spare shooting was just as difficult as striking. Juniors Jacob Willard and Talon Newton were able to secure spots on the All-Tournament Team with their individual performances during the 3 team games.
As a team, overall, the Muskies got off to a slow start, converting spares, slipping to 4th place heading into the 12 baker games. "Our shot making was not where we wanted it to be early. Conditions made the 10-pin almost out of play early on, and we didn't adjust well," said coach David Jones on his team's early struggles.
After a 151 game, which included 5 splits, the Muskies found their footing. Over the next 11 games, the Muskies made up 150 pins on the field and climbed back to a second-place finish. "We know the Muskie Mash is going to be tough every year. Even though it's our home tournament, we don't practice on the lanes that we actually bowl the tournament on," Coach Jones said.
The Muskies were without senior team captain Brody Wildenmann for the tournament, "I challenged the guys to communicate together. Brody brings a lot of knowledge to the team. Without him in the lineup it can be a challenge to find that voice," Coach Jones added, "It took a couple games to get it to come together. We got it going in Bakers".
The Muskies are back in action next weekend at the Roto Grip Raider Classic in Dayton, Ohio. The live stream will be on Muskingum University Men's Bowling Facebook page on Saturday at 1:00 pm and Sunday at 8:45 am.
