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Union Local’s Dunlap eyeing D-II top prize

MORRISTOWN — Alberto Dunlap’s demeanor around the lanes might be low key, but that doesn’t mean he can’t pack a punch if he wants — especially if it involves putting his team in a position to win.

For the last four years, Dunlap has been one of the anchors of the Union Local High School boys’ bowling team, one that’s enjoyed great success.

Saturday, Dunlap has an opportunity to conclude his individual career on a high note as he competes in his second consecutive Ohio Division II State Championship at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl.

Dunlap was third last winter, the highest finish ever for a local participant. He can think of no better way to cap his career than with another all-Ohio finish. But to do that, Dunlap knows it will take one more complete effort on the prep sport’s grandest stage.

“There will be a lot of good bowlers there,” he said Thursday evening prior to a final local practice session at St. Clair Lanes, the Jets’ home house. “When I bowl, I try not to concern myself with anyone else as much.”

That’s because in bowling, as is the case with other individual sports, one’s success is predicated on your own performance. And at tournament time, Dunlap has risen to the occasion time and time again.

“From the beginning of the season until now, it’s been a slow growth process,” Union Local head coach Doug Stephens said. “He just gets better every week. He just wants to peak at the end when everything is on the line.”

Bowling gets underway in the state capital at 10:30 a.m. Dunlap will roll three games of regulation 10-pin bowling totaling all pins. The top two individuals with the highest total pin count will be the state champion and runner up. Individuals with the third, fourth, and fifth highest total pin count will earn all-Ohio status.

Dunlap fired a 655 last year and is the top returning individual placer. Still, he knows anything can happen on any given day making it imperative that he give it his best shot.

“I just need to focus on myself,” he said.

Being there before does have its advantages, Dunlap said. For one, it will lessen the nerves, which can rattle state newcomers.

“I’ll know what its like and how to handle it,” he said, noting he’ll practice at the championship site today.

The state tournament shouldn’t faze Dunlap, who’s been a presence at national events the past few years. Last summer, he competed at Junior Gold events in Dallas and Cleveland, honing his skills amongst the best nationally.

“It was a great experience,” he said.

Some of the knowledge he learned, he imparted on his teammates, which is par for the course, according to Stephens.

“The kids sometimes go to him for tips and pointers,” said Stephens, completing his first year as the Jets’ head coach.

Dunlap, who is homeschooled and resides in the Union Local district, has been a longtime presence around local lanes, but he didn’t join the Jets program until he was urged to do so my former head coach Ron Taylor and Ken Campanizzi, who helps oversee the Eastern Ohio Bowling League, etc.

“Even though I’m not in school (with my teammates), we’re really good friends and we do a lot of stuff together.”

Stephens said the friendship is evident on the lanes.

“It’s a piece of cake coaching this guy,” he said. “He’s been great and he’s helped me a lot.”

Stephens wants nothing more than to see Dunlap walk away with a championship, and Dunlap remains steadfast on making that dream a reality.

“I just want focus on every shot and not worry about the bad ones,” he said. “Don’t get down on yourself and bowl your best.”

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