—Collinsville’s Douglas, Short and Barger bring a tradition of winning to new SIC team—

HARRISBURG, Ill. (June, 20 2018) –Championship bowling is no stranger to Collinsville High School (CHS) graduates Major Douglas III, Noah Short, and Fred Barger. Since 2014, when the three helped their middle school team win the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association (SIJHSAA) state bowling championship, they have garnered dozens of bowling awards and have remained inseparable, both on and off the bowling lanes.

In August, the trio will debut as United States Bowling Congress (USBC) collegiate bowlers at Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) in Harrisburg.

College bowling coach Doug Cottom is delighted the three elite Kahok bowlers decided on SIC.

“The coaching staff and SIC are extremely fortunate to land these three young men. Year in and

year out, Collinsville puts great teams on the floor, and the school’s bowling coach, Sean Hay, is

certainly one of the best in the business,” said Cottom.

“It’s comforting to know that these boys have been exposed to topnotch coaching, which makes

the transition to collegiate bowling so much easier. I’m excited to have them be part of the

Falcons’ inaugural season,” he added.

Douglas’ accomplishments as a high school and middle school bowler include

·         2017-2018—IHSA 218 bowling average

• 2017-2018—Joe Legendre 110% Bowler of the Year Award
• 2017-2018—Most Improved Bowler +27 pins
• 2017-2018—CHS Senior Athletic Award
• 2017-2018—Southwestern Conference Outstanding Academics Award
• 2017-2018—Southwestern Conference Male All Area Team
• 2017-2018—Southwestern Conference Outstanding Athletic
• 2017-2018—IHSA Sectionals 3^rd Place
• 2017-2018—IHSA Regional 3^rd Place
• 2017-2018—Elite Six 3^rd Place
• 2017-2018—IHSA 29^th Place in State
• 2017—JBC Gateway Tournament Classic Division Champ
• 2016-2017, 2017-2018—CHS Academic Excellence Award: OGPA 3.75/4.0
• 2015-2016, 2017-2018—Pepsi Qualifier, Storm Qualifier
• 2014-2015—IHSA JV 1^st Place Team
• 2013-2014—SIJHSAA Team State Champs, 2^nd Place Individually
• 2013-2014—SIJHSAA Sectionals, 1^st Place Individually
• 2012-2013—SIJHSAA Team State Champs, 16^th Place Individually

Short’s accomplishments include

• 2018 Four-time Varsity Letterman
• 2017-18  Third Team All-Conference
• 2017-18  Senior Athletic Award in Bowling
• 2017-18  1^st Place Team Regionals, 4^th Place Individual
• 2017-18  2^nd Place Team Sectionals
• 2017-18  10^th Place Team State
• 2016-17  4^th Place Team Regionals
• 2015-16  2^nd Place Team Regionals
• 2015-16  1^st Place Team Sectionals
• 2015-16  11^th Place Team State
• 2014-15  1^st Place Team Regionals
• 2014-15  1^st Place Team Sectionals
• 2014-15  11^th Place Team State
• 2013-14  1^st Place SIJHSA Team
• 2013-14  6^th Place SIJHSA Individual

Barger’s accomplishments include

• 2017-18  Senior Athletic Award in Bowling
• 2017-18  1^st Place Team Regionals
• 2017-18  2^nd Place Team Sectionals
• 2017-18  10^th Place Team State
• 2013-14  1^st Place SIJHSAA Team

Kahok bowling coach, Sean Hay, has nothing but praise for his team’s graduates:

“Major bowled for Collinsville starting in 7th grade on the middle school team, where he finished 2nd in middle school state.  In high school, Major showed a dedication and drive to make his senior year his best yet.  He finished with a 217 match average and a tournament average that was 7 pins higher for a 224.  He received the first team All-Conference award in the ever-competitive Southwestern Conference. He also earned a spot on the Southern Illinois High School Bowling Conference all area team.  There are over 30 teams represented by this conference.  He also anchored our 2018 regional championship team.”

“Noah also bowled for Collinsville starting in the 7th grade and maintained a steady talent throughout his high school bowling career, demonstrated by being on the state series roster for all four years in high school.  Noah’s average this year was a 210 composite and he was also on 2 regional championship teams and one sectional champion team during his high school career, including this past season’s regional championship.

“Fred bowled for Collinsville starting in 7th grade on the middle school team and finished in the 2018 season, only taking one year off to focus on academics. He has bowled a 300 in league play and is 100% a team player.  His senior year he maintained a composite 205 average and was on the 2018 regional championship team.”

“All three boys were co-captains their senior year at CHS, and all are great young men.”

Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state tournament manager and O’Fallon High School boys bowling coach, Mike Imes, knows the three bowlers well.

“I’ve had the pleasure of watching these outstanding young men compete and develop as bowlers since 7^th grade, and it thrills me to know they are taking their energy, talent, and competitiveness to the collegiate level.”

“Without question, they will help Southeastern Illinois College succeed in USBC varsity bowling.”

Imes also manages St. Clair Bowl in Fairview Heights and is active in the development of young bowlers.

Men and women interested in trying out for Southeastern’s bowling team, which begins play in August, should contact Coach Doug Cottom at 618-253-8417 or at dcottom1@gmail.com.

Tuition waivers and other incentives are available to those qualifying for team membership.

###