Daniel Rickman, the head bowling coach at Cumberland County High School, had a good feeling his team had a chance to win the district championship. Before the season began, Rickman thought the Jets had the ability to win it all.
It was just a matter of doing it.
Well, Tuesday afternoon, Cumberland County did it. The Jets beat Upperman High School 22-5 in the title match of the district championship at Plateau Lanes in Crossville. They advanced to the finals after beating Jackson County 20-7 in the semifinals.
“I knew these guys had the potential to come back and win the district again this year,” Rickman said after the match. “I really like how they feed and play off each other. They work together so very well. And they’re very talented. That is all you can ask for.”
Cumberland County drew first blood in the title match. The Jets beat Upperman 997-991 in the first traditional game. Cody Gates led the pack with a 182. Elijah Schley fired a 169.
The Jets came back in the second traditional game to win 1,133-1,119. Gates came back with a 233 and Ethan Phan shot 225. That surge helped Cumberland County take a strong 11-5 lead.
CCHS took the first Baker game 201-157 and then followed that with a 151-135 in the second game to close out the match with the win.
A traditional game is when five bowlers from a team bowl 10 consecutive frames each to complete the game. A Baker game is when five bowlers from a team bowl alternate frames until all 10 frames are completed.
“Whenever you going into a match with Upperman, you have to bowl your best,” said Rickman. “However, we won it without [standout] Jaydon Phan who injured himself in the semifinal with Jackson County. Mason Kilburn was brought in to replace Jaydon, and he did a great job.”
Rickman said the regional tournament is scheduled for Jan. 10 at Gallatin High School. Cumberland County reached the regional final in 2021.
“We really took care of business in this tournament,” Rickman said. “I think this will be great for the program. I think it will encourage more kids to come out for the team.”
Cumberland County had little trouble with Jackson County in the semifinal. The Jets won both traditional games by scores of 6-2 to hold a commanding 12-4 advantage going into the Baker games.
“We bowled very well against Jackson County,” Rickman said. “They can be a very tough opponent.”