BUTLER TWP — Practice doesn't have the same feel for Butler High School bowling these days.

“I didn't like the echo when I walked in here today,” Golden Tornado coach Bob Cupp said of Monday afternoon.

For the first time since the Butler bowling program began a decade ago, the Tornado did not qualify their boys or girls team for this weekend's state tournament.

Two Butler seniors — Jordan Reges and Jordyn Graham — qualified for the state individual tourney, however, which takes place Friday at Dutch 222 Lanes in Ephrata.

This is the first time either bowler, both named Section MVP this season, has qualified for the individual state tourney.

“It was one of my goals this year and I got there,” Graham said. “I wish our whole team was going, but you can't win all the time.

“We came close this year. It just didn't happen.”

Graham is the lone senior on the Butler girls varsity team this year. Three sophomores and a freshman comprised the rest of the starting lineup.

“I told them all year ... We win and lose as a team,” Graham said. “We never gave up and we came awfully close.”

Butler's girls finished seventh in regional play. The top six teams advanced to the state tourney. The top 12 individuals in boys and girls at the Western Regional advanced to the state tourney.

Graham placed 11th at regionals. Reges placed 12th, getting the last available spot.

“There were a bunch of ties at regionals and I wasn't sure if I got through or not,” Reges said. “It was a relief to hear my name called.”

Reges hopes to make the most of his opportunity after barely making the cut.

“Cole Thrash averaged 195 for us and didn't get through,” Cupp said. “That's how hard it is to get there.”

Reges averaged 198 this season, second in the section to North Allegheny's Andrew Cook's 207. Graham led the section girls with a 189 average this season.

There will be 24 bowlers in both the boys and girls state tournaments, respectively. Each will bowl six games with the top five advancing to a stepladder format to determine the champion.

“Get in the top five ... absolutely,” Graham said. “Just find a way.”

Cupp pointed out that the regional competition had “anywhere from 75 to 100 bowlers vying for (state) spots. Now the odds are greatly reduced with only 24 bowlers in the field.

“You have to figure out the line and go. That's the key,” he said.

Graham said she's used to bowling in different houses and figuring out different shots.

“Oil patterns vary all the time,” she said. “I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous going into this tournament. Once I figure out the shot, I'll be OK.”

Reges said he likes his chances of getting to the stepladder round.

“I'm pretty confident. I've been throwing the ball pretty well lately,” he said. “This is it for me and I want to go out with a big finish.”

Reges will not be bowling in college. He is planning to attend a trade school.

Graham is headed to Pitt-Bradford, where she will bowl and major in early childhood education.

“I had a different mind-set going into this year,” she said. “I wanted to be (section) MVP and get to states. Being able to get both feels pretty good.”

So does bowling for the high school team, Reges said.

“It's been a lot of fun being part of a team, building some great memories,” he said. “Bowling for my school meant a lot to me. Everybody should get a chance to experience this.”