Hamilton City Council members and Big Blue’s state bowling champs to compete at local alley

And many had admitted their chances aren’t very good.

“I’m not good at golf either,” said Councilmember Eric Pohlman after emphasizing his lack of bowling prowess.

The coaches team is likely to compete with the state champions, though, as Hamilton Athletic Director Missy Harvey said that team will include herself and “several ringers.”

Councilmember Susan Vaughn is likely the most experienced bowler among the seven-member body having been a league bowler, and it was suggested she give lessons to Pohlman and Councilmember Carla Fiehrer.

Mayor Pat Moeller seemed more concerned about what type of bowling shirt he’d wear. An enthusiastic mayor wanted to have a “really special bowling shirt” for the occasion, he said at last week’s City Council meeting. He openly considered a Hawaiian shirt, but likely would have been the only one sporting the colorful and bold-style button-down shirt.

Councilman Timothy Naab asked if the board should be uniform in its bowling attire, and Pohlman was adamant: “I’m not wearing it (a Hawaiian shirt).”

Sunday’s noon three-way matchup at Pohlman Lanes, 954 Pyramid Hill Blvd., was initiated by Councilmember Joel Lauer, a teacher in the Hamilton school district, when he presented the idea to Mayor Pat Moeller and City Council.

“It was a great idea,” Harvey said.

The Hamilton girls bowling team, the No. 2-seeded team in the Division I OSHAA tournament in March beat No. 8 Jonathan Alder Local Schools to win the first state title in any sport for the Big Blue since 2004 when the boys basketball won a state title. It was also the first state girls bowling title in the program’s first state tournament appearance.

“They were recognized at a City Council meeting and given a proclamation,” said Harvey. “And City Council thought doing something like this would be a great way to promote bowling in Hamilton.”

The big question of what the council would wear was settled by Vaughn, who said 17 Strong offered Hamilton blue “We>Me” T-shirts.

While the council’s self-deprecating shots and ribbing of their bowling abilities were in good fun, the whole point of the match is about promoting Hamilton as a whole, said Harvey.

“Any time we get to promote our school, our athletes, and the city of Hamilton, it is an awesome thing,” she said. “I love Hamilton and I love the fact that our adult leaders want to be around and promote our teams and successes. It is a win for everyone involved.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: We inadvertently listed the incorrect date but that’s been corrected in this story. The bowling challenge is on Sunday, April 24.