Coldwater finally will find the TV spotlight after defeating Kenton Ridge on Friday in four games to win the boys state championship.
“Our whole goal was to bowl well enough and make it to the TV finals,” Hartings said. “It’s always cool to watch on STO. You always wish you were there. Every year our goal was to give ourselves a chance.”
Kenton Ridge placed second, Beavercreek fifth and Troy sixth.
In the individual standings, Brad Johnson of Troy was fifth while teammate Kyle Neves was sixth. Mitch Kanney of Coldwater was eighth. Dylan Adkins of Beavercrek was 10th.
Kenton Ridge upset No. 1 seed Beavercreek in the first match of the championship round.
Coldwater had a rough regular season with four losses and finished third in the Midwest Athletic Conference. The team also struggled at districts.
Hartings said the team focused on adjustments, starting with getting three of his bowlers new bowling balls.
“We did some adjustments and they threw really well,” Hartings said. “We had a tough season, but in the tournament you never know what can happen.”
Hartings said the team did well focusing with the added pressure of television and a state title on the line.
“We definitely talked to them,” Hartings said. “We told our seniors not to put too much pressure on themselves.”
The girls state tournament begins today.
Gymnastics
Bolts at state: Northmont finished 12th overall at the state high school gymnastics team competition Friday.
The Thunderbolts finished with 133.625 points. Brecksville-Broadview Heights won with 148. Mentor was second with 143.875.
The state individual competition begins today at noon.