Weedsport's Ethan Reitema Is a NYSPHSAA Division 2 State Champion
Hard work, determination, and composure under pressure defined the incredible performance of Ethan Reitema, who captured the NYSPHSAA Division 2 State Bowling Championship with an outstanding showing on the biggest stage.
Throughout the entire season, Ethan built a reputation for relentless dedication. Whether it was extra practice sessions, refining his approach, or focusing on the small details that make a difference at the highest level, his commitment to improvement never wavered. That hard work paid off in a major way at the state tournament.
He came out strong in the opening block, firing a 715 series through the first three games and immediately placing himself among the tournament leaders. Staying focused and consistent, he continued to battle through the second block of games, ultimately finishing the six-game event with an impressive 1381 total series. Along the way, he showcased his scoring ability with a tournament high game of 266.
The road to the title wasn’t without its challenges. After leading the field through both the third and fourth games, adversity struck in Game 5. The momentum shifted and suddenly the race for the championship tightened. Heading into the final game, Ethan found himself trailing by four pins after five games, setting up a dramatic finish.
Instead of letting the pressure get to him, he reset mentally and stepped up when it mattered most. In the sixth and final game, he refocused, trusted his preparation, and delivered a clutch 214 game to close out the tournament.
Even after the final ball was thrown, the drama wasn’t over. Scores from the fifth and sixth games had not yet been posted, leaving everyone in suspense. For 15–20 tense minutes, teammates and coaches waited anxiously, trying to piece together the math in their heads based on the scores they had seen throughout the day. While there was a strong feeling that he had done enough to win, nothing was official yet, making those moments some of the most stressful of the tournament.
When the final results were finally posted, the excitement and relief set in—Ethan had officially won the NYSPHSAA Division 2 State Championship.
Head Coach Coach Veiga couldn’t have been prouder of his bowler and the work he put in throughout the season.
“Ethan works incredibly hard,” Coach Veiga said. “Seeing all that dedication pay off on the biggest stage is something special. He earned every bit of this.”
From the first frame of the season to the final shot of the state tournament, Ethan’s perseverance, resilience, and work ethic led him to the top of New York State bowling.