Harlem Cheer off to state Harlem boys win state title; Nimtz new all-time pinfall leader

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Journal
Harlem took first place and neighbors Hononegah took second place at the ISHA State Bowling Championship last weekend.

By Bob Balgemann
REPORTER
One of Harlem’s standard goals in bowling every year is to win the state championship.
The girls have done it five times since 2000. Now it’s the boys turn and they led from beginning to end to win it all Jan. 27-28 at downstate O’Fallon.
Harlem rang up 12,998 pins in all, 184 more than runner-up Hononegah. The Indians came back a little in Saturday’s final day, but could not catch up with their neighborhood rival.
Meanwhile, Harlem Varsity Cheer will be competing in the state series for the first time in school history. The Lady Huskies finished fifth at the Belvidere sectional, with zero deductions and earned their highest score of the season.
They will perform at 3:30 p.m. Friday in Bloomington with the top 10 teams, from a field of 25, advancing to Saturday’s competition for places.
Head coach is Rebecca Doxtater.
As a bonus in bowling, the storied career of senior Jake Nimtz came to a close at state with his emerging as Illinois’ all-time

For full story, pick up this week’s print edition