STURGIS — As a senior for the Sturgis bowling program, Kortnie Matz wanted to qualify for the state finals. That was her main goal, and it was a big one at that because in her previous three seasons, Matz had not qualified.
A strong day at the regional round not only earned Matz a spot at the coveted state finals, but it also earned her some much-deserved hardware as well. Matz knocked over 1,209 pins in six games at the regional hosted by Continental Lanes in Kalamazoo. That was good enough for her to be crowned regional champion.
"Just making it to state was my goal the whole year, but I went out and had a really good day," she said. "I fought through some tough carries, and other than that, it kind of changed the way I looked at my high school career. I would definitely say it was harder than it looked."
Matz, who graduated from Sturgis High School earlier this year, will continue her academic and bowling careers with Davenport University. It's going to be a big step for her — and she knows there will be nervous times.
Being able to continue bowling will certainly make it more enjoyable, though. Matz has been around bowling her entire life, and she has no immediate plans to stop. She enjoys the competition, she said, and just being around the bowling alley gives her happiness.
And when it comes to what she plans to do with the rest of her life, Matz said she is going to study elementary education while at Davenport. She's been around kids for a good chunk of her life as well: Her mom runs a daycare center.
"I feel like I have a special connection with the youth," she said. "I feel like the little kids help you get more attached, and they are easy to work with. Even with the smallest things, it can be easy to work though stuff with them."
Sturgis girl's bowling coach, Scott Spahr, said the team will miss the leadership Matz brought to the lanes. He also knows she can continue to improve, and being a part of a strong bowling program like Davenport will only help.
"She's going into a solid program, which will help. I think she fits in well; she's willing to help everybody and exceeds as an individual," he said. "Bering around other girls that won't need help will help her get better and focus on her own game. I expect big things out of her."
There will be butterflies, Matz knows. It will be the first time she'll be out living on her own, away from family. That can certainly be an adjustment for any high schooler heading off to college.
But Matz knows she can build up her confidence for the transition.
She has confidence growing from her senior year on the lanes as well. As a senior leader, Matz said her expectations changed a bit going into her final months as part of the Sturgis program. Then she went out and won a regional title, which proved she could compete at a high level.
Sturgis also won the team regional championship, the first for the Lady Trojans.
"I was very proud of the team. It clearly takes a whole team to win something like a regional championship," Matz said. "Just being a part of that was a huge accomplishment for me."
Matz will miss her friends, a common theme among graduating seniors heading off to college. But that's going to be something to which she not only gets used, but she looks forward to as well. Coming back to town and seeing her old teammates and friends will be an exciting portion of her time at the next level.
Now, Matz will take her first step. It'll bring some nerves with it, but she plans to roll with it.
Contact Sports Editor Brandon Watson at bwatson@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as twitter, @BwatsonSJ.
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