Salem sweeps Boys Bowling State Championships

Posted By: dkinnard
January 28, 2023 @ 7:08 pm
Bowling, Carterville, Harrisburg, Salem, Slider

Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

O’FALLON — It was quite a day for bowling in the 618, as the region swept the top 3 spots at the boys Bowling State Championships in O’Fallon, with the Salem Wildcats taking home the team title, led by senior individual champion Charlie Hunter.

The Wildcats were in fifth place down 196 pins following the morning session, but turned the tide over the final three games to beat O’Fallon by 189 pins to claim their second state bowling title. Mascoutah was third, 197 pins back.

Hunter started the day in second place and used an incredibly consistent day to win the individual title. Hunter averaged 230.3 over his final six games of the day, with his scores ranging between 204 and 247.

Salem’s Charlie Hunter and head coach Steve Ludwig hold the State Bowling championship trophy. Photo courtesy Dr. Brad Detering

Hunter is Salem’s second individual state champion, joining Alex Henseler who won in 2008.

Salem has won two individual State Bowling championships– Charlie Hunter (left) and 2008 champ Alex Henseler (right). Photo courtesy Dr. Brad Detering

Carterville sophomore Evan Flath was one of the last individuals to make the finals. He started the day in 65th place and wound up finishing 21st. Harrisburg’s Evan McDermott finished 54th.