Kennedy girls rebuilding, but state still possible
Scott Bader works when most people sleep. And he sleeps when most people work.
In between, he finds time to coach a successful girls bowling team at Cedar Rapids Kennedy.
Bader works the third shift at Rockwell-Collins in Coralville, which means he works through the night and finishes at 7:30 a.m., just when most people are starting their days.
"It seems to work out," he said. "I sleep a little while and go coach."
It worked out fine last year when the Cougars finished fifth at the Class 2A state meet, matching their highest finish during Bader's five years as head coach.
Kennedy lost four of its top six bowlers from last year and is rebuilding, but Bader thinks another trip to the state tournament is possible.
"I'm not ruling myself out," he said. "I think we have some work to do to get there. I'm not sure we can make it, but I'm optimistic that we can."
Caitlin Dicus, Alecia McEachran and Paige Ermer graduated, which would have been bad enough. It got worse when Tanner Rhoades, who finished 15th in the state tournament last season as a sophomore, moved with her family to Cedar Falls.
Kennedy and Cedar Falls are not scheduled to meet in the regular season this year, but they are next year.
Amanda Weidemeier and Ashley Hoppe enter the new season as Kennedy's top bowlers. Bader thinks both of them will show considerable improvement this year after having solid campaigns in 2010.
"I think Amanda might push 190," he said. "I think Ashley's going to be up in the 170s or maybe 180."
Bader said 45 girls signed up for bowling this year, compared to 38 a year ago. "I think it's evidence that bowling is finally getting out there as an actual sport," he said.
