WMHS boys bowling fundraiser for championship rings

Mayor John Rhaesa and the Wayne City Council present the Wayne Memorial High School Bowling Team with a plaque commemorating their 2023 MHSAA State Championship. Photo by Lisa Nocereni

By Sarah Shurge – The Wayne Memorial High School Boys Bowling team won the 2023 MHSAA State Championship on Friday, March 3rd. Now the team is raising money to help pay for their championship rings and travel expenses for the National Tournament in Beavercreek, Ohio on June 17th-19th.
“Earning a State Championship ring is an amazing accomplishment,” said Christine Day, Wayne Memorial Bowling Coach. “It’s more than a class ring or a trophy that sits in your alma mater’s trophy case. It’s an eternal reminder of the fun that was had but also all of the sacrifices, progress, grit and growth these boys showed not just this season, but in all the years that led up to it.”
Day has been with Wayne bowling for eight years in total. She coached the girls team her first four years, and the last four years she has been coaching both the boys and girls teams.
“You don’t win championships with one great player or one great coach. Teams win championships. Teams that trust one another and have fun, share championships,” said Day.
The state champion team consists of Jeremiah Hodge, Elliot Hill, Davin Raisanen, Mark-Vincent Wells, Santray Trottier, Kyle Webster, and Donovan Uselman.
On Friday, June 2nd, the team hosted a fundraiser at US12 Bar & Grill.
“The bowling fundraiser was a huge success,” said Andy Raisanen, Wayne High Math teacher/PA announcer and parent of one of the bowlers. “It was a lot of fun and we had a great turnout. The Wayne Memorial Staff showed amazing support. Thanks to John Goci, Scott Gocaj, and everyone at US-12 for hosting.”
Six out of the seven bowlers were able to attend the fundraiser. One bowler had to work and was unavailable but stopped by early to sign the pins that were raffled off.
“I’m very proud of the team,” said Raisanen. “Kyle, Elliot, and my son Davin have been on the same youth team since they were 8 or so. They are truly a team and a great group of kids who are easy to root for.”
If you would like to show your support for the team as they will be making their way down to Ohio for the National Tournament, you can donate on the gofundme at gofund.me/569505e2.
“Thanks to everyone who helped out and donated,” said Raisanen. “I love being a part of the Wayne High community. This bowling team epitomizes the Zebra spirit.”