Special Olympians from Knoxville and Pleasantville are among the qualifiers for the state bowling tournament, coming up later in November.

Regional qualifying took place on October 18th and 19th at the Bowlerama Lanes in Des Moines; all of the first-place finishers advanced to the state championships, which will be back at Bowlerama on November 17th..

In the age 12 to 20 group, Stacia Mason of Knoxville and Tegan Ripperger moved on to state with first-place finishes.

In the 21 and older division, Cameron Cross from Pleasantville qualifies as an individual, while in the team competition, Marissa Schletzbaum and Michelle Turnage of Pleasantville move on along with Shawn Barker of Carlisle and Frank Long of Knoxville.

The Marion County Special Olympics athletes are coached by Roger and Maureen Schletzbaum.

Here is more information from Special Olympian Michelle Turnage’s perspective:

Marion County Special Olympics athletes have been busy this fall practicing for the Regional Bowling Competition, which was held October 18-19 in Des Moines at the Bowlerama Lanes.

All athletes receiving a First Place (individuals and team) will move on to the State Bowling competition at Bowlerama Lanes in Des Moines on November 17.

The Marion County Special Olympics athletes are coached by Roger and Maureen Schletzbaum.

The Special Olympics bowling athletes would like to thank Mustang Lanes in Monroe for their generous donation of practice time throughout the fall months….the support is appreciated very much! Congratulations to all of these
athletes for their hard work and outstanding accomplishments, and good luck at State!

Here are the results from Marion County Special Olympics Regional Bowling Results for Thursday, October 18th: (Age Group 12 – 20)
Stacia Mason, Knoxville: 1st Place
Tegan Ripperger, Pleasantville: 1st Place
Joe Morgan, Pleasantville: 2nd Place
Charlie Leavitt. Knoxville: 2nd Place
Chase Robbins, Pleasantville: 3rd Place
Alex Alder, Pleasantville: 5th Place

Results for Friday, October 19th: (Age Group 21 +)
Cameron Cross, Pleasantville: 1st Place
Jacob Hindman, Knoxville: 2nd Place
Team Bowling
Marissa Schletzbaum and Michelle Turnage, Pleasantville: 1st Place
Shawn Barker, Carlisle and Frank Long, Knoxville: 1st Place
Taylor Fearno, Pleasantville and Ben Heywood, Knoxville: 2nd Place

Ben Heywood and Taylor Fearno

Joe Morgan

Michelle Turnage and Mariss Schletzbaum

Shawn Barker and Frank Long

Stacia Mason