Heath boys stay relaxed in run to OHSAA bowling tournament

On Feb 28, 2023

HEATH — The sun is not shining in the bowling alley, but the Heath boys take eye black to another level.

The Bulldogs definitely get noticed when they walk into the building. Freshman Josh Dover’s Batman look is a big hit.

“To be known, you have to be really different. With my hair, they will say, ‘That’s the guy with the blond mullet,’ so I like how it makes our team stand out and gives us a little more recognition,” senior Bryce Holmes said.

Heath, however, has not needed a gimmick to earn attention. The Bulldogs have done that with their bowling.

Payton Love is one of four freshmen in Heath lineup. Despite the youth, the Bulldogs compete in the program's fourth Division II state tournament in six seasons Saturday.

Despite having four freshmen in the lineup, the Bulldogs are preparing for their fourth Division II state tournament in six seasons. They rallied to take runner-up in the district tournament and compete at 10:45 a.m. Saturday at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl.

“I had some expectations because I’ve known the other freshmen like my whole life,” freshman Payton Love said. “It’s mainly just trust and belief in them that they will do it.”

What Heath has gained in camaraderie from the eye black has paid off. The Bulldogs keep the mood light, and they excel.

“It keeps us happy in a way. We look at each other’s faces, and it’s just so funny to see the different designs,” freshman Oliver Walton said. “It helps us feel special as our own little unique team. It’s really cool.”

The Bulldogs are at their best when bowling together. Their performance in Baker games lifted them to the program’s fifth Licking County League championship in six seasons against Northridge and saved their season during the district tournament when they entered the six Baker games in fourth place.

“Once we get together as a team and start getting rowdy, it just makes us better,” Holmes said.

Heath improved with each of its individual games with Holmes leading the way, shooting up to a tie for fourth at 662 with a 268 in his third game. The freshmen Walton, Love, Dover and Cam Lewis were next with junior Reese Henderson as a sub for the Bulldogs, who are without junior Tyler Hudson because of a knee injury.

The Bulldogs then capped the day with an impressive run of 195, 204, 193, 188, 235 and 175 games.

“It helps us to see to never give up. We kept going.,” Walton said. “For us to do well in our Bakers gives us hope. It’s very comforting. If one person messes up, you don’t have to get down on them. You know you can depend on your team.”

Holmes is the only Heath bowler who takes prior experience to state. He struggled each of the last two seasons first with the team as a sophomore and as an individual after a district championship a year ago.

“It’s more high stakes and just a different environment. It’s a lot louder,” Holmes said. “It’s just staying focused and not getting down. That’s what I really struggled with when I went. Wayne Webb’s just a different place.”