California Lanes bowlers compete at Show-Me Games

Proudly wearing the medals they earned at the Show-Me Bowling Games July 20-21 at Columbia, and representing California Lanes, from left, are Andrew Barber, Zoey Rimel and Caleb Weis with their coach, Mike Heinaman.
Proudly wearing the medals they earned at the Show-Me Bowling Games July 20-21 at Columbia, and representing California Lanes, from left, are Andrew Barber, Zoey Rimel and Caleb Weis with their coach, Mike Heinaman.

Five area youth and one adult represented California Lanes in the youth, teen and parent/child portion of bowling competition at the Show-Me Games July 20-21 at AMF Town and Country Lanes, Columbia, where each brought home a medal.

"This is the first year California Lanes has taken bowlers to the Show-Me Games," California Lanes owner Rob Rimel said. "It was really awesome because these kids acted like young adults and really bowled their hearts out."

The Show-Me State Games offer 40 sports for all ages and ability levels in an Olympic-style sports festival.

Andrew Barber competed in the Singles 10-Under category, where he won a bronze medal. Barber also competed in the Doubles Grandparent/Child category with his grandfather Denny Keeran, where they won a bronze medal.

Zoey Rimel, 9, competed in the Singles 10-Under category, where she won a gold medal. Rimel also teamed up with Barber in the Mixed Doubles 10-Under category, where they won a gold medal.

Caleb Weis competed in the Singles 11-12 category, where he won a gold medal.

"Caleb also teamed up with a boy from Springfield, and they won the gold," Rimel said.

Nick Green competed in the Singles 13-14 category, where he won a bronze medal. Green also teamed up with Jarrett Hatch in the Doubles 13-14 category, where they won a gold medal.

"I attribute a lot of our kids' success to their coach, Mike Heinaman," Rimel said. "He's our youth coach, who donates his time every Sunday at California Lanes. He was with the kids for nine hours each day at the Show-Me Games, coaching all of the kids in every age group. Mike and Denny Keeran got this competition all set up, so they deserve a lot of credit."

Rimel added, "This event is open to all Missouri athletes, but since our kids won medals, they will be invited to the national event."

Competition for adults was held July 27-28, where California Lanes was once again represented well.

Heinaman, Syracuse, won a gold medal in the Mens Scratch Singles category. Troy Johnson, California, won a gold medal in the Mens Handicap Singles category. Heinaman teamed up with Corey Deuschle, Russellville, in the Mens Scratch Doubles category, where they earned a silver medal.

"Almost all of the gold medals were won by bowlers from California Lanes," Rimel said. "In total, between the kids and adults, we won nine gold medals, one silver and two bronze. Pretty good showing for our little town."