Defending 5A state bowling champion Kaylin Wahlmeier headlines the Great Bend Panther bowling team. Wahlmeier caught fire at state with a school record series (752) off games of 267, 241 and 244. Wahlmeier’s fifth-highest series in girls state history (752) beat Topeka Seaman runner-up Makenzie Millard by 55 pins.

Great Bend starts with a Baker series toiurnament Saturday in Wichita. Each player bowls two frames per game.

“It’s a fun opening rournament at a nice facility,” said Great Bend coach David Feldbauer. “I have high expecations for both teams.”

The Panther girls placed third at 5A state (2,774) with 18th place Aliyah Fryberger (565), 39th Sahara Rhiza (518); and 73rd Emilee Nelson (438) also returning. Freshman Zoey Mayberry has earned a spot as a varsity starter.

“All four girls have performed well at state and at regionals last year,” said Feldbauer. “Their confidence will be high. It gives them a great advantage this year. The girls should compete for the WAC title and the top three at regionals.”

PANTHER BOYS — The Panther boys also return four varsity veterans. Jalen Daniels placed 38th (594) at 5-1A state. Dylan Ferguson finished 86th (430) two years ago. Jordan Manning and Caleb McNett return to the varsity llineup.

“All four seniors have bowled at regionals and two have bowled at state competition. They know what has to be done to get to state,” Feldbauer said. “They’ll have a great year and compete for the WAC.”

GREAT BEND BOYS

SENIORS—Jalen Daniels, Dylan Ferguson, Jordan Manning, Caleb McNett, Kameron Stude

SOPHOMORES—Quinten Miller, Keaton Wahlmeier

NINTH-GRADERS—Daegan Miller, Julio Yanez, Kolby Burnham, Alexis Ayala

GREAT BEND GIRLS

SENIOR—Aliyah Fryberger, Sahara Rziha

JUNIORS—Kaylin Wahlmeier, Emilee Nelson, Paige Heine, Rionna Rodriguez

SOPHOMORES—Kacie Schroeder, Rachel Loera, Kyra Calvert, Abigail Alvarez, Aeva Thomas, Zoey Mayberry

COACHES—David Feldbauer, Jordan Vsetecka