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Jacobs’ Biondo comes up big, finishes as runner-up

Jacobs’ Brian Biondo made his first appearance in the boys bowling state tournament one to remember.

The junior became the first boy from his high school to finish as a state runner-up.

He tried catching Joshaun Glover of Lincoln-Way East on the final day of competition at St. Clair Lanes in O’Fallon on Saturday, but Glover’s 12-game total of 2,957, which included a 300 game and 247 average, was enough to capture the championship.

“He bowled great all weekend,” Biondo said. “No one was going to stop him. He let no one catch up to him. At least I can say we’re good friends.”

Biondo started the day in sixth place. He ended up 89 pins back of Glover with 2,878.

“I tried to make up ground, but when he rolled a 300 game, I knew he would be tough to catch,” Biondo said of Glover.

Biondo opened the day with scores of 225, 253 and 278 for a 756 series. He followed up by rolling a 211, 278 and 218 for a 707 series.

“This gives me so much confidence,” said Biondo, who was the only junior in the top eight. The top seven were seniors. “I know I can come back and take my chances next year.”

Biondo threw a thanks out to his parents, Vince and Joyce, who have bowled professionally and with Team USA. He said they taught him the mental part of the game.

Jack Baumruk of Libertyville finished 45th, rolling a 554 series in the morning and 591 in the afternoon. Baumruk, whose high game was a 236, advanced to the second day after needing a tiebreaker in the sectional to reach state.

Vernon Hills’ Chris Winter placed 46th with 2,501. He tossed a 571 in the morning session and followed up with a 600 that included a high game of 234.

“It was my goal to make the second day,” said Winter, a sophomore. “Next year I want to get a lot higher. I thought on the first day (Friday), I had a chance to prove something to myself.”

Justin Becker of Vernon Hills finished 55th with 2,473. He rolled a 572 and 571 with a high game of 231.

Lake Park ended up in 19th place Friday, but had two of its bowlers reach the second day.

Joe Kauther rolled to a 32nd-place finish with 2,578. He shot a 681 series in the morning and 606 in the afternoon. He threw a high game of 279 in the morning set.

Lake Park’s Andrew Tau finished 58th (2,454). He had a 509 for the first three games, before bouncing back with a 609. He rolled high games of 237 and 230.

Geneva’s Jason Soto wound up 63rd (2,388). He rolled a 618 in the morning and followed it up with a 492 series.

Rockford Guilford won the team title with 13,107 pins. Andrew (13,002) and host O’Fallon (12,970) finished second and third.

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