Coker president bowls against his coaches

On Wednesday, Coker College President Dr. Robert Wyatt challenged the college’s fall and winter sports coaches to a bowling match at Lee All Star Lanes in Florence and won with only a 14-point margin, 913 to 899.

“This was great fun. It exemplifies the Coker community. We work hard, and we play hard together,” Wyatt said.

Wyatt and one player from each sports team (men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country and volleyball) bowled against the coaches of each of those sports. Athletes from all the teams came out to support their teammates. Coaches selected players to bowl or the player volunteered to represent his or her team.

The losing team, the coaches, will have to perform a short dance number between the Jan. 7 basketball games against St. Andrews. The dance will be choreographed by Brianna Douglas, cheerleading and dance coach.

The impetus for the event began with the baseball team’s annual fall challenge. Coach Dave Schmotzer would have a bowling tournament before the team’s big two-mile run in the fall. This year, Wyatt challenged Schmotzer to his own bowling tournament, and if he won the entire team didn’t have to run.

Wyatt won that game too.

“We’ll do one in the spring. I don’t know what kind of event we’ll do, but you can be assured we’ll be back,” Wyatt said.

On Wyatt’s team were Ricardo Smith (122), Kendyl Seawright (80), Thad Salke (122), Anthony Abrahams (99), Paige Murray (181), Margaret McCoy (102) and Keisha Beavers (61). Wyatt bowled 146.

On the coaches’ team were Dan Schmozter (97), Jon Stenman (126), Keith Solverson (104), Bethany Grass (107), Lisa Potoka (110), Brandon Fain (133), Paul Leese (75) and Mike Moya (147).