Two Salem graduates were part of the action as Missouri Baptist University and McKendree University battled for the championship at the Lions Bowling Classic, hosted by Lindenwood University.
The championship match provided plenty of drama, with McKendree finding itself in an early hole after dropping the first two games of the best-of-five series. The Bearcats refused to go away, however, responding by winning the next three games to complete the comeback and capture the championship.
While the team competition provided plenty of excitement, the tournament also featured a pair of familiar names for Salem bowling fans.
Salem graduates Charlie Hunter and Silas Moats were both members of the Missouri Baptist Spartans lineup. Hunter, a senior, and Moats, a sophomore, are continuing their bowling careers at the collegiate level after helping establish Salem as one of the premier high school bowling programs in Illinois.
Moats added an individual accomplishment to the weekend, bringing home a third-place overall finish in the individual standings. He also had a chance at his first collegiate 300, but on his final ball he left 1 pin to finish with 299.
Both bowlers have a history of success at Salem Community High School. Hunter was part of Salem’s 2023 IHSA State Championship team and captured the individual state championship that season. Moats was also a member of that state championship squad as well as helping the Cats to another title in 2024.
For Salem bowling fans, seeing Hunter and Moats continuing to compete at the collegiate level is another reminder of the talent that has come through the local program.
And while the championship trophy went to McKendree after its impressive comeback, Salem had plenty of reason to keep an eye on the results, with two of its own representing the area on the collegiate bowling stage.
