Olathe East’s Allie Brachtenbach is The Star’s All-Metro Kansas girls bowler of the year
Among her favorite moments from her senior season, only one of Allie Brachtenbach’s choices has anything to do with her own accomplishments as a bowler for Olathe East High School.
She mentions her teammates’ achievements, including Devonte Brown bowling a 300 and Michael Crow’s two 700 series. Then, unassumingly, Brachtenbach talks about her own high-game of 280 during the recently completed season.
Although she is one of the most decorated bowlers in Kansas, Brachtenbach says supporting her teammates is paramount.
“Honestly, focusing on the other girls bowling makes me do better,” Brachtenbach said. “I love our little bowling niche because we’re all close and we have a great time together.”
Her 280 high game was just one of many highlights in Brachtenbach’s senior campaign, which also included Sunflower League and regional titles. She placed 10th at the Kansas Class 6A state meet in Wichita.
Brachtenbach also was voted the Sunflower League bowler of the year, which she said came as a surprise.
“It means a lot because it is really hard to get,” Brachtenbach said. “I don’t know how I got it because I am there to support people. It is amazing to see that other people see that, too, and want to reward me for it. It’s so generous of other people to do that.”
Now, Brachtenbach has one more honor to add to her bowling resume — The Star’s All-Metro Kansas girls bowler of the year.
Her career 207 average ranked seventh in the state this season.
“I could have done better, but overall, getting the awards that I did, I don’t think I could ask for anything more,” Brachtenbach said.
THE STAR’S ALL-METRO KANSAS GIRLS BOWLING TEAM
Allie Brachtenbach, Olathe East, senior. The Sunflower League bowler of the year won league and regional titles, then placed 10th at the Kansas Class 6A state meet. She finished with a 207 average.
Alanna Dierking, St. James Academy, junior. Dierking was the Kansas Cityi area’s top finisher at the Kansas Class 5-1A state meet, where she placed sixth with a 635 series. She also placed second in her regional meet and finished with a 195 average.
Nicole Edwards, SM North, senior. She finished second at the Sunflower League meet, second at regionals and 16th at the Kansas Class 6A state meet. She finished the season with a 210 average, which ranked sixth in the state.
Mackenzie Saulnier, Olathe Northwest, senior. The 2013 individual state champion, Saulnier finished her career with a fourth state medal after she placed third at the Kansas Class 6A state meet. She also placed third in the Sunflower League and third at regionals.
This story was originally published April 16, 2015 at 7:10 PM with the headline "Olathe East’s Allie Brachtenbach is The Star’s All-Metro Kansas girls bowler of the year."