Fairmont breaks through to win first state bowling title

“This is validation for our program and for our bowlers,” head coach Jeremy Fleck said. “I’m on cloud 9.”

The Firebirds sat in third place after the first three qualifying games and remained there after the Baker rounds, easily advancing to the championship round (top eight teams).

First up was a familiar opponent in GWOC rival Centerville. Fairmont squeaked out a 168-159 win in the decisive fifth game to advance. Interestingly, current Elks coach Andy Parker was the Firebirds coach in 2005 when Fleck was bowling for Centerville.

Fairmont went on to beat Boardman 3-2 to set up the title match against Ashland. After dropping the first game, the Firebirds rattled off the next three to capture the elusive title.

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“This is the greatest feeling,” Fleck said. “It was a tough season, but we worked hard. We respected the rules, we respected the game and we respected each other.”

The state champions weigh in on what the title means to them.

Dayton Foster, sr. – “There really is no better way to end my senior year. I haven’t made friends here, I have made a family. I have never been so excited and relieved to have taken the state championship. This is the perfect resolution. We are all hard workers, and we did what we came to do.”

Colton Mahaffey, jr. – “Winning state was very emotional for me because all of my teammates were brothers to me and we have been through ups and downs with each other throughout the season. This state championship win, with my dad as assistant coach, was also very emotional for me because my brother had been to state before and he got second place so this win brings a state championship to my family and to the Kettering Fairmont High School family.”

Tyler Milton, sr. – “This state championship means the world to me. It was my first and last time going to state as I’m a senior and this is my first year on varsity. There is no one else I would have rather done this with – this team is my family. It really feels great to go out with a bang by making school history. I’m definitely going to miss these guys for sure. Best year ever.”

Dylan Potts, sr. – “We made the absolute best out of the absolute worst situation. Our season was a difficult one that always kept us on our toes. But all of that was worth it for this one memory that is going to last a lifetime. I love everyone on this team and I couldn’t be happier that I can call everyone on this team family.”

Isaiah Shannon, fr. – “It really meant a lot to me because, as a freshman, I didn’t even know if I would play on varsity. Then, four months later, we went on to win the whole thing for the first time in our school’s history. It’s just crazy and it was a really emotional win for me and the team.”

Tyler Stegemoller, jr. – “This means so much to me. It means that I have a bigger goal and that is to win state again. This will continue to inspire me to work harder every single day. This means that I worked with the best players around the state and got to compete with them.”

One for the Record Books - Firebirds State Tournament History

State appearances: 9 (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2021

State runner-up: 2 (2009, 2013)

State champion: 2021