April 19, 2011
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — Instead of hearing sounds of baseballs popping the mitt or cracking off the bat, the Iowa baseball team heard the sounds of bowling balls and pins colliding Tuesday afternoon.
Due to poor weather conditions in Iowa City today, the baseball team was unable to practice at Duane Banks Field in preparation for tomorrow’s game against Western Illinois at Modern Woodmen Park. Instead the team went to Colonial Lanes in Iowa City to have some fun.
Head Coach Jack Dahm huddled with his coaching staff this morning and decided to take the team on a bonding trip.
“The weather was really bad today, so we decided that our guys needed to go out and have some fun right now,” said Dahm. “I think we’re pressing a little bit, losing a lot of close ball games. We need to realize baseball is a fun game, so we’re going to have a little fun here today and hopefully that translates onto the baseball field for us.”
Senior catcher Tyson Blaser, who is excited to be returning to his hometown tomorrow night, echoed Coach Dahm’s comments.
“This was a great time,” said Blaser. “The weather was pretty nasty outside, we couldn’t get on the field and get some hitting in so we decided to come out and do a team bonding activity.”
When asked about his bowling skills….
“I would say I am well below average, on second thought… pretty bad actually,” said Blaser.
So, who was the best bowler? Well, you wouldn’t know it by watching his form, but junior Jarred Hippen had his teammates buzzing. Bowling with two hands in a sling-like state, the lefty posted a team-best 213, collecting six strikes, including five straight.
“I’ve bowled that way since I was four years old with my father,” explained Hippen. “He took me to the lanes and that’s how I bowled.”
Senior pitcher Jeff Pacha said the guys enjoyed watching Hippen dominate everybody.
“Hippen was the best bowler out there by far,” said Pacha. “He’s usually pretty good in all these weird sports, so it’s not very surprising.”
“This was a great bonding experience,” said Hippen.
After 90 minutes at the bowling alley, the team returned to campus and got in a weight lifting session.
First pitch for tomorrow’s game between the Hawkeyes and Leathernecks is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $5 at the gate or by calling (563) 3-BANDIT or online at RiverBandits.com