Naval Station Great Lakes' DC2 Michael Zylius, assigned to BMS, Bldg. 1, rolled the rock well enough to take the bronze medal in the 2012 Armed Forces Bowling Championship at Lackland AFB, Texas with 5,353 pins and a 223 average.
Zylius, who back in April captured the singles handicap and came in second in the singles scratch division in the Lake County Bowling Association Tournament, not only qualified for the team with a qualifying score of 7,136 pins for 32 games with an average of 223 per game.
When asked about how he felt during the qualifying phase, he said, "It was nerve racking. Everyone who made last year's team was there, and with only four spots open, I had a little doubt," said Zylius.
After the first qualifying game he noticed he was rolling it well and this feeling continued through the second day. "I felt good about my game and when the totals were in, they announced the names, and I was in."
It was a four-day tournament competing in singles and team competition. "We started out a little rocky but on the second day we really got back into the competition and we were within striking distance. The last day was real exciting and was a great experience, losing to the USAF by just six pins."
"Taking the bronze was a great feeling especially against all the armed services. I could not believe it. It is funny that sometimes the best of a person comes out in this type of competition, I am glad I stayed consistent," Zylius added.
"I want to thank Capt. Lynch, Cmdr. Sullivan, Master Chief Walker and Les Thielbar for allowing me the opportunity to try out for the All-Navy Team.
"I would also like to thank Jeff Makino, manager, Rynish Bowling Center, for contacting the bowling coordinator and coach. His efforts helped my application get selected."
The Air Force women won the overall gold throughout by knocking down 19,328 pins. The Marines took the silver medal, followed by the Army and Navy. Capt. Danielle Crowder, USAF, was the overall women's champion with 5,069 pins. Master Sgt. Wanda Volpp from the Marines Corps earned the silver medal with 4,832 and USAF Tech. Sgt. Kristin Odekirk captured the bronze medal with 4,832 pins.
In the men's competition, the Army led by 600 pins on their way to winning the gold. USAF just got by the Navy team for the silver, with the USMC men placing fourth. USAF Senior Master Sgt. Marty Bedford captured the gold with 5, 646 pins, and Army's SPC Adam Ahmad took the silver with 5, 532.
Total pin results
Mens's Armed Forces Championship All Events Teams (Total Pins)
1st – Army with 21, 381 pins
2nd – USAF with 20, 747 pins
3rd – Navy with 20, 666 pins
4th – USMC with 19, 649 pins
Women's Armed Forces Championship All Events Teams (Total Pins)
1st – USAF with 19, 328 pins
2nd – USMC with 17, 363 pins
3rd – Army with 15, 655 pins
4th – Navy with 7, 610 pins
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