The Manhattan High Indians bowling team showcased a blend of individual highlights and team grit at the State tournament on March 4 and at Regionals on Feb. 25. Highlighted by two standout individual State qualifications. While the team results were a mix of ups and downs, the performance boosted Manhattan’s reputation as a competitive force in the tournament much higher.
At State, sophomore Cortylnn Millington took third, just 20 pins behind first place. She bowled a 707 series, almost 30 more than her performance at Regionals.
“I work hard in the offseason doing lots of tournaments, during the high school season I practice daily and I work with my coach on what I need to improve,” Millington said. “I also work on my mental game, and you can know how to do everything right but if you’re not in the right mindset or you get frustrated your scores can fall fast.”
Junior Kael Stock was the only boys representative from MHS; he didn’t place but was still happy with his performance.
At Regionals, Millington dominated the girls’ field, claiming the top of the podium with an impressive 684 series.
“There’s no reason that if she bowls her best she [Millington] could be a state champion. I mean, she’s good enough to have that happen,” George said.
Stock secured his individual State spot by placing fourth in the boys’ Regional standings. Stock finished the day with a 704 series, providing a spark for the Indians during a high-stakes afternoon of competition.
While the individuals soared, the boys’ team faced a heartbreaking conclusion to their season. Manhattan finished fifth overall and the girls’ team ended their regional run in seventh place.
“Our boys’ team was close,” George said. “We had a 3,302 team score and the cutoff was 3,332, so we missed State by 30 pins, so that was disappointing”.
The near-miss has already fueled the fire for the returning roster. Stock, who rated his personal season a 9 out of 10, was pleased with his progression after overcoming a summer injury that initially limited his practice time.
“I definitely improved over last season,” Stock said. “I was injured over the summer so I didn’t bowl very much… but I came back in and did pretty well. Next season, we’re going to try to make it to State as a team.”
MHS Bowling now transitions to the off-season, where the goal is clear: picking up spares and winning championships. The Indians are already eyeing next year’s Regional tournament, determined to bridge that 30-pin gap and qualify as a full squad.
“That experience showed me that bad days can happen and that everyone can have one. I will learn from this for my future bowling tournaments,” Millington said. “I’m extremely competitive and don’t like to lose but losing can sometimes make you a better competitor knowing what you need to improve on.”
