The Seward boys' and girls' bowling teams will be a part of the eight-team field in the 2006 Nebraska High School Bowling Federation State Championship Tournament Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11 and 12, at Lincoln's Sun Valley Lanes.
     Both teams come into this year's state championship as winners of their district competitions, which were Jan. 29 at Blair.
     For the boys' team, Trevor Oliver bowled the high series with a 576.
     "It was truly a team effort," Coach Julie Benes said, adding that this is the first year the boys have won districts.
     Jessica Liekhus led the girls with a 642 series, followed by Reba Wilke at 622 and Micaella Radke at 563. They were the top three girls' bowlers in the tournament, Coach Roger Wilke said.
     This year marks the third consecutive season for the girls to bowl at state.
     Opening round competition begins Saturday at 2:30 p.m., with a four-game block and a best three out of five single-elimination round using the Baker format. Saturday's competition will narrow the field down to the two teams that will compete for the Class B championship on Sunday.
     Again this year, all final matches will take place in an "arena-style" environment. Bleacher seating will be available along side the championship pair of lanes and directly behind the bowler's area. The entire "arena" will be curtained off from view by the rest of the bowling center. Admission will be charged for both sessions.
     The Nebraska High School Bowling Federation's mission is to provide all high school students with an opportunity to experience the spirit of team competition and community pride while participating in a lifelong sport, while at the same time elevating the sport of bowling through a state recognized varsity level bowling program for high school students.
     For more information on the Nebraska High School Bowling Federation, visit their web site at www.nhsbf.com.