Greeneville’s bowling teams have consistently produced individual qualifiers for the TSSAA State Tournament, and this season was no exception. Seniors Jon Gilbert and Addison Phillips became the 17th different individuals to make the trip to Smyrna in the program’s 20th season.
Coach David Painter emphasized the importance of staying present as his bowlers began the long day of competition. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and you have to live it to the fullest extent—whether you’re going to get absolutely trounced or you have a chance to win it all.”
Gilbert entered the tournament as the sixth and final qualifier from Region 1, hoping to add his name to a strong list of Greene Devil state finishers, including Justin Miller (2nd, 12th), Caleb Nunn (4th, 6th), and Tyler Longenbach (15th), among others.
“It was really good,” Gilbert said, reflecting on the opportunity after missing the cut by two spots as a sophomore and struggling in his junior season. “I’m excited to compete in a tournament with so much history, and I hope to make a name here.”
Gilbert opened competition against 47 other bowlers in a six-game qualifying round, with the field later cut to the final six. His day began slowly, posting a 149 before rebounding with a 162. Game three proved challenging as lane conditions began to transition, resulting in a 137.
The second half of qualifying showed improvement after bowlers moved to a new pair of lanes. Gilbert rolled a 199—his high game of the day—followed by scores of 179 and 157. His six-game total of 983 produced a 163.8 average and a 39th-place finish.
Phillips entered the tournament as the eighth overall seed and third qualifier from Region 1, aiming to become the first Lady Devil since Summer Garber (17th) to finish inside the top 20.
“I didn’t think I would shoot anywhere near what I did,” Phillips said. “But I’m happy with how I bowled, and now it’s time to go for a ring.”
She opened her day with a 126 before improving to a 160 and closing the first half with a 149. After transitioning to the second pair of lanes, Phillips posted a 170. Her best performance came in game five, where she found a rhythm and rolled a 208, before closing with a 144. Her 957 series resulted in a 159.5 average and a 20th-place finish.
While neither bowler advanced to the final round, Gilbert and Phillips left Smyrna having upheld Greeneville’s standard on the state stage. Their performances added another chapter to a tradition defined by consistency and competitiveness as the program moves into its next decade. When asked what advice they would offer the next generation of Greene Devils, both seniors echoed the same message: “Get in the center and practice.”
