Four months ago, Silverton High School head boys bowling coach Paul Holden predicted his team would win districts and have a chance at the state title.
His prediction became a reality Feb. 26 when his team fended off Oregon City to win the state championship.
Lead by state MVP Derek Johnson, Silverton dominated the field of 16 teams until the final match. Since it was the only undefeated team, Oregon City would have to beat them twice in the two game finals in order to knock them down and take the crown. It went down to the last frame, but the Foxes prevailed by 7 pins to win the state bowling title.
The team members are: Seniors Daniel Holden and Joel Donley; Juniors Lucas Ferrando and Derek Johnson; and Freshmen Jeffrey Holden and Jake Johnson.
Assistant coach Tawnya Zwicker and scorekeeper Tim Ferrando also played a role in the coaching and advancement of the team. More than 100 teams in Oregon started the season and were narrowed to the top 16 advancing to state competition.
The state tournament, held at Lava Lanes in Bend, began with a scratch event for some of the best high school bowlers. Three of the Silverton boys finished in the top five positions in this three-game event. Freshman Jeffrey Holden just missed winning the event by 2 pins and tied for second place with a score of 714. Brother and teammate Daniel Holden took fourth place with a score of 691 and Derek Johnson rounded out fifth place shooting 688. Scholarship money was awarded to the top participants in both the girls and boys divisions.
As a sign of unity and determiation, Silverton boys each had their hair cut in a Mohawk style for the competition and sprayed in school colors of silver, black and orange.
