Bridgewater-Raritan's Moeller is Courier News Boys Bowler of the Year
Frame after frame each pin scattered in the wake of the 15 pound ball that was rolled down lane No. 5 at Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick. It was the qualifying round for the NJSIAA Individual State Tournament, and 10 pins stood between Tom Moeller of Bridgewater-Raritan High School and a perfect game.
He sized up his target, got comfortable in his stance, inhaled and headed toward the foul line. He took his usual shot down the second arrow, and in those brief seconds between the release and the hit, the bowling alley was silent. All of the pins fell, except for one, which wobbled and then regained balance to remain upright. Moeller was one pin shy of perfection, but earned the best game of his career – and on a big stage.
And even though he was frustrated by the one pin he missed, he kept his composure in true Moeller fashion.
Moeller is the 2016 Courier News Boys Bowler of the Year.
“Tom is a very consistent and even-keeled bowler and has a quiet demeanor,” Bridgewater-Raritan head coach Kathy DeBonis said. “But, don't let his quietness fool you. He is a true competitor, he knows the game, he knows the strategies and has all the tools to back it up.”
With his near-perfect performance, Moeller earned second place heading into the individual tournament. He made it to the semifinal round and placed 12th overall. His series for the day was a 768.
With a 207, Moeller tied Eric Lawson of Warren Hills for the highest season average in the Skyland Conference. Moeller earned a spot on the All-Skyland Conference boys bowling first team along with his twin brother, Eric.
Besides bowling a team-high, 299-pin game and fostering a run through the individual tournament, Moeller contributed for his team consistently throughout the season by being the team's leading scorer.
Before the season started it was unknown whether or not a Bridgewater-Raritan bowling team would be possible. The Panthers were lacking a coach, and the alley that had become their home was taken over by a new management that declined their request to continue bowling there. DeBonis offered her presence at the helm and found a new location to practice and have games at.
As a captain, Moeller helped motivate his teammates with a lead-by-example attitude. The Panthers finished with a 7-3 record, despite the preseason threats.
“His consistency and composure were the best parts of his game,” DeBonis said. “He doesn't allow his emotions to get to him. He's in control and takes the command. He was a great role model for the other bowlers to emulate, he led by doing.”
Bridgewater-Raritan took second place in the Skyland Conference Tournament with 3004 pins and had a third-place finish in the fifth annual Tom Irwin Memorial Crusader Classic by posting a 2882 overall score.
Moeller looks forward to attending Montclair State University where he will focus on his studies. He hopes to stay active in bowling through various leagues and tournaments.
He started bowling at about the age of six, and has loved it since. He has worked hard throughout his high school campaign to continually improve his game in every way. He sees earning the Bowler of the Year title as justification for his hard work.
"I was shocked," Moeller said about winning the title. "I'm really surprised and happy for myself because I've been working hard all year and practiced over the summer and it's just really exciting."
ALL-SKYLAND CONFERENCE BOYS BOWLING
(as selected by the league's coaches)
First team: Eric Lawson (Warren Hills, 207); Tom Moeller (Bridgewater-Raritan, 207); Eric Moeller (Bridgewater-Raritan, 205); Ryan Stephany (Warren Hills, 196); Justin Walker (Warren Hills, 196); Darryl Price (Warren Hills, 195); Ethan Golding (Watchung Hills, 195); Dylan Coker (Franklin, 195).
Second team: Justin DeMartin (Hunterdon Central, 193); Thomas Matthews (Hunterdon Central, 191); Darian LeMay (Franklin, 189); Alex Cole (Warren Hills, 186).
Staff writer Alyssa Davis: adavis@njpressmedia.com; @AlyssaM_Davis