“With all of the success we’ve had over the years and all the great kids who have come through the program, it’s a little surprising that this has never happened before,” Coldwater coach Rick Hartings said.
The Coldwater tradition of success includes 14 boys and 13 girls who finished in the top 10 at the individual state tournament, including three state champions – Trey James (’15), Erika Hartings (’13) and Crystal Boyer (’11). It’s a tradition Bruns is proud to be a part of.
Bruns grew up on the lanes as he has been bowling since he was 5. He also grew up as a Cavaliers fan, cheering on his older cousins at high school matches and the state tournament alike. This year, the freshman had a chance to make a name for himself in an otherwise ordinary match against Celina in January.
“I knew I had a chance if I kept throwing my shots and stayed focused,” Bruns said. “I’m used to people watching when I bowl, but this was so many more people. My whole body was sweating and shaking.”
Celina and Coldwater weren’t the only teams bowling as Pla-Mor Lanes was packed with high school bowlers and fans from several schools, numbering close to 200. Bruns maintained his composure and finished the game the same way he started, with a strike.
Bruns earned more than school bragging rights, he also earned family bragging rights as his cousin Trey James had laid claim to the Cavaliers high individual score of 299 a few seasons earlier.
“I told Rick, after I finished, ‘I’m going to text Trey’ and he said, ‘look behind you,’ and Trey was there,” Bruns said.
While the immediate thrill was intense, it took several days for the reality of the accomplishment to sink in.
“Actually, there are times I think it still really hasn’t settled in,” he said smiling.
But there is still work to do as the Cavaliers will compete in the Division II sectional tournament on Friday in Minster.
“We definitely want to win the sectional, district and go to state,” Bruns said. “So that’s the focus now.”
Local Perfection – 2019-20 High School Season
300 - Keaton Bruns, Coldwater
300 - Caleb Chessman, Beavercreek
300 - Michael Donahue, Beavercreek
300 - Zane Eneix, Xenia
300 - Makenzie Gossett, Greenon
300 - Elijah Martini, Wilmington
Almost Perfect
299 - Aaron Adkins, Xenia
299 - Gaege Feix, Talawanda
299 - Austin Fisher, Urbana
299 - Nate Fowler, Shawnee
299 - Connor Glynn, Alter
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