CLINTON, Iowa - They call themselves inseparable on and off the lanes, almost like brothers.
Instead of answering what they enjoy doing together, the rhetoric surfaces of what they don't do together.
So it's fitting now they're parlaying successful high school careers into an exciting collegiate opportunity.
Clinton natives and River Kings' tandem, Kyle Jackson and Anthony Motroni, made history on Wednesday afternoon, committing to be a part of the freshly unveiled Ashford University men's bowling program.
In a well-attended ceremony that included both families, Clinton High School coaches Stacia Haro and Mark Richardson, along with Ashford coaches Brian Swanson and Kenny Garvey, the beginning of what looks to be a promising pipeline was established for 2010 and beyond.
"Kyle and Anthony are exactly the kind of kids that we're looking for to get our program off and running," Swanson said. "I think that they can be impact players in their first year at Ashford."
But it's
just as exciting for Haro and Richardson, who combined have over 20 years of
coaching experience. They oversaw the high school development of current AU
student assistant coach, Kenny Garvey, and his sister Taylor, who bowls at
They were on campus to witness firsthand their protégés take the next step together.
"I'm real excited because you just don't see these chances around the Clinton area that frequently and it gives the kids a place to compete close to home," Haro said.
"It's a great opportunity for Kyle and Anthony to be a part of," Richardson added. "If they can continue to build off what they've learned the last four years, they should adjust fine on the collegiate level.
Jackson is the reigning MAC Conference Bowler of the Year, leading the league in high average while receiving First Team All-MAC honors as a senior. He emerged as Clinton High School's anchor bowler and reports a 230 average.
Originally born in Stuart, Fla., Jackson helped the River Kings to a fourth-place state finish as a junior and finished ninth individually among Iowa's best.
Motroni anchored Clinton as a sophomore with a 220 average and finished close behind Jackson at last year's state meet with a 12th-place effort. He bowled three consecutive 700 series this year as a senior and is a four-year varsity team member.
"It's nice to stay together, we've known each other since we were 10," said Jackson, who estimates they're at the bowling alley nearly three hours a day.
"We're looking forward to the challenge of making Ashford competitive from year one," Motroni chimed in. "It's an opportunity that we have to take advantage of."
But they're not done yet, setting lofty aspirations for closing out respective high school careers in Des Moines at the Iowa state meet within the next month.
Jackson, the son of Frank and Tammy Jackson, is intending to major in Criminal Justice while at Ashford. Motroni is the son of Peter and Lisa Motroni and plans to pursue his degree in Physical Therapy.
