By Steph Freund

On Friday, Oct. 4, many students of AHS helped with and participated in the District Special Olympics Bowling at the Super Bowl in Atlantic.  The Student Council volunteered and many students from Mrs. Blazek’s classes participated. The athletes placed as follows in their divisions: First place was awarded to Lauren McCance, Brooke Pelzer and Kayla Kessler;  second place to Keith Stapleton and Cassi Gregory; third place to Ashley McWhortor and Erika Meyers; fourth place to Jason Honke and Sierra Klinghammer.

The AHS Student Council took the day off from school to volunteer friday. The AMS Student Council and Graceland University volunteered Saturday.  The volunteer work included assisting the athletes on the bowling lanes and preparing their lunches.

Sierra Klinghammer, an Atlantic bowler, said her favorite thing about bowing was getting to be with her friends.  Among the volunteers was Gaylord Schelling who said, “My wife has been big into helping for years, and I’ve helped for three or four years.  This year, I went around to businesses to get support for the event. Their support is really appreciated.”

The district competition continued on Oct. 5 for the older athletes.  Dan Duskin hosted a total of 220 bowlers Oct. 4 and 5 at the Super Bowl.  This was the third year the District bowling competition has been hosted in Atlantic, when previously it had been hosted in Creston.

Bowlers are separated into set age divisions, and are awarded ribbons for the first through fifth places.  At the District level, the following 11 counties bring athletes to compete:  Cass, Adair, Adams, Union, Wringled, Montgomery, Decator, Clark, Madison, Taylor and Page County.  Only the the top 3 places advance to the State level.

Donors help make this event possible. Dan Duskin provided the bowling alley at a reduced rate to allow the bowlers to show their skills. Fareway donated hot dogs, chips, and cookies for lunch. The Coke company donated water for lunch as well. Other businesses throughout Atlantic donated shirts for the volunteers and helped with the bowling fee.

Bowling alley owner Dan Duskin solves a lane problem with AHS Student Council member Taylor Berns. (Oct. 4)