Naperville Central boys bowling competed at the Illinois High School Association state finals on Feb. 1, marking the second time in school history the team qualified. 

Senior Tommy Kradenporth placed 19th at state,  and came home with the highest average on the team.

“It wouldn’t be possible [to achieve what I did] if it weren’t for the team I had around me,” Kradenpoth wrote to the Central Times.

The team placed 15th in state, meaning they did not advance to the second day. 

“[But] going to state is such a tough thing in bowling, because there’s only one class and the sectionals in this area are some of the toughest in the state, so I’m very proud,” head coach Brian Dunn said. 

The team won two invitationals for the first time in school history this season. However, they faced many injuries and illnesses throughout the season.

“We didn’t really have a full-strength varsity team until just about playoff time,” Dunn said. 

Due to the sickness, Kradenporth was the only varsity player able to consistently play every single game this season. 

“I feel like coming into the year it was state or nothing,” Kradenpoth said. “If we didn’t make state as a team again, it definitely would’ve been a shot to the heart.” 

Next season, the boys bowling team will officially have conference play due to the District 204 high school’s co-op which was formed last year. 

“We like to use the phrase rinse and repeat,” Dunn said. “Go at it and do the same thing again.”