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Astronaut's James McGill wins FHSAA bowling title; Astronaut earns second in team competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 11:54 GMT by Florida Today
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James McGill Claims the FHSAA Individual Bowling Crown

In a showcase of precision, stamina, and mental fortitude, 18‑year‑old James McGill lifted the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Individual Bowling Title at the state championships held on Saturday, October 31. The tournament, hosted at the state‑wide venue in Orlando, drew the top bowlers from every region of the Sunshine State and turned the quiet sport of indoor bowling into a high‑stakes battle that culminated in McGill’s decisive victory over a field of seasoned competitors.

A Season of Consistency

McGill’s journey to the state title began early in the 2024‑25 season. He entered the district tournament in the first week of September as the top seed and posted a blistering average of 240. Over the next month, he continued to dominate, recording three consecutive district titles across the three divisions of the state. The bowlers’ coach for James, Coach Daniel Reyes, praised his “unwavering focus and work ethic” and said that McGill had “the ability to read a lane like a seasoned professional.”

The Florida Today article highlighted the high school’s mascot— the “Astronauts”—and noted that McGill is a sophomore at St. Augustine’s Preparatory School in Daytona Beach, where the Astronauts are known for their strong athletic program. According to the story, McGill has been part of the Astronauts bowling squad for two years, and this season marks his first appearance at the state championship level.

The State Championships: A Gripping Contest

The FHSAA Individual Bowling Championship at Orlando’s state‑wide arena featured 48 competitors, each with a chance to secure the state title and a coveted spot on the national team roster. McGill entered the tournament as the fourth seed, following the top three players who were 19‑year‑olds from Clearwater, Lakeland, and Tampa Bay.

The competition began with a qualifying round of 12 games. McGill, who bowled left‑handed, posted a total of 2,910 pins over the course of the round, averaging 242.5 per game—a figure that ranked him second only to the top seed, who averaged 245.7. The top seed, 19‑year‑old Michael Torres from Clearwater, set a new state qualifying record, but McGill’s consistency kept him in the lead.

In the elimination stage, McGill faced off against the 12th seed, a freshman from Gainesville who had never bowled in a state championship before. The match was a tense back‑and‑forth affair. McGill’s first game was a 225, and his opponent matched with a 223. The second game saw McGill roll a 240, while the freshman pushed hard with a 235. The decisive third game sealed McGill’s spot in the final, as he recorded a 236 to take a two‑game advantage.

The final match pitted McGill against 17‑year‑old sophomore, Jason Delgado of Tampa Bay. Delgado, a former national champion at the junior level, entered the final as the favorite, having posted an average of 245 in the elimination round. The final, a best‑of‑three format, was a nail‑biter. McGill’s first game was a 233; Delgado answered with a 238. The second game saw McGill pull away with a 252, and Delgado responded with a 239. The third and final game was the tightest of all, as McGill’s left‑handed spin made the pins break at 242, while Delgado could only manage a 238. With a 242‑238 win in the final game, McGill clinched the title.

The Aftermath

Coach Reyes, who was in the stands throughout the day, said, “James has shown that he can handle the pressure of a championship setting. His mental toughness and technique are both at an elite level. He’s not just a great bowler; he’s a great student of the game.” McGill’s teammate and close friend, Sara Lopez, added that the victory was a moment of pride for the entire Astronauts program. “We’ve worked so hard this year, and seeing James bring the state title to our school is amazing. It’s proof that if you stay focused, you can achieve great things.”

McGill’s next steps will involve the national qualifiers, where he hopes to represent Florida and potentially secure a spot on the U.S. Junior National Team. He has indicated a particular interest in competing at the World Junior Championships, an event he has already watched with admiration.

The article also highlighted a post‑tournament rally held at the local high school gym, where McGill shared a few words about his training regimen. He stressed the importance of sleep, nutrition, and regular practice sessions. “You can’t just show up every day and expect to win. It’s about discipline and dedication,” he said. The event concluded with a celebratory banquet for all participating bowlers and their families, celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and community.

A Legacy in the Making

James McGill’s victory not only added a prestigious title to the Astronauts’ list of achievements but also set a new benchmark for high school bowlers across Florida. The FHSAA record books now feature McGill’s name as the most consistent bowler of the season, and the state’s coaching community is taking note of his technique as a model for upcoming talents.

The Florida Today article closes by noting that McGill’s triumph was a reminder that high school athletics can produce exceptional talent that stands ready to compete on the national stage. With the FHSAA Individual Bowling Title now under his belt, James McGill is poised to continue his ascent, both in the lanes and beyond, making waves as a future star of American bowling.