At Salem Community High School, athletics played on fields and courts have always been a point of pride, but recently, the spotlight has been on a different kind of champions— those on the bowling lanes. Led by Silas Moats, Ryan Detering, Rhett Detering, and Keaton Gullion, Salem’s boys’ bowling team has achieved incredible success, including back-to-back state championships in their sophomore and junior years. With the support of their community and coach Steve Ludwig, they’re now aiming for a three-peat.

Bowling may not always get the same recognition as other high school sports, but it requires precision, strategy, and mental toughness—something these boys know well. “Bowling isn’t just about luck,” explains Silas, who has been bowling competitively since he was five. “It’s about consistency and making the right shots when the pressure’s on.”

The Detering brothers, Ryan and Rhett, both credit their competitiveness to growing up together. “We push each other,” Ryan says, “but when it comes to the team, we’re all about working together.” Rhett agrees, noting that their sibling rivalry fuels their individual performances, but the chemistry they have with their teammates is what sets them apart.

Keaton Gullion, the quieter but equally determined member of the team, shares how crucial their coach has been to their success. “Coach Ludwig knows when to push us and when to let us find our own way,” says Keaton. Ludwig, who has been coaching since the program’s inception, is credited by all four boys for not just teaching them the mechanics of bowling but also fostering a strong team culture.

Their road to state success wasn’t easy. “Our freshman year, we didn’t even make it out of sectionals,” recalls Rhett. “But that just made us work harder.” By their sophomore year, the team’s determination paid off with their first state championship. They followed it up with another victory as juniors, and now, as seniors, they are setting their sights on a historic third title.

Bowling, as the boys explain, is not as straightforward as it seems. Variables like oil patterns on the lanes and ball weight can make every game feel like solving a puzzle. “It’s never the same,” says Ryan. “You’re constantly adjusting to the conditions.”

Silas, who has a collection of over 18 bowling balls, each designed for different lane conditions, agrees. “It’s all about knowing your equipment and how to use it.” The team’s top score in a single game is 1209, and they’ve consistently bowled above 1100—a testament to their skill and teamwork.

Salem’s bowling team has earned respect not just for their talent, but for their humility and groundedness. “We have a lot of support from the school and the community,” says Rhett. “We want to make everyone proud.”

As for what’s next, three of the four seniors are considering continuing their bowling careers in college. Silas and Ryan have already begun speaking with coaches from schools with strong bowling programs, while Keaton has his eye on McKendree University. Rhett, though undecided on what sport—if any—he may pursue in college, he is honing in on business administration and on potentially bringing one of his several sports along for the college ride— Baseball, Golf, or Bowling.

Salem Community High School has every reason to celebrate these young men, who are not only excelling on the lanes but also representing the values of teamwork, resilience, and community. With another state tournament on the horizon, all eyes are on these champions as they look to cement their legacy.