Alley Bowl fire displaces Creston, Clarke bowlers

OSCEOLA — Early Sunday morning, a fire at The Broken Spoke and Alley Bowl in Osceola devastated the bowling alley, affecting bowlers around the area.

Both Creston and Clarke high school bowling teams practice and compete at Alley Bowl, Clarke coach Jeff Giza’s family owning the business.

“Because the fire occurred in the early morning hours, we are thankful to report that no one was injured,” the Clarke Community Schools page posted on Facebook. “Unfortunately, much of the bowling team athlete’s equipment was lost in the fire.”

When Creston coach Ron Pendegraft found out about the fire, he said he was in shock — not knowing what to think.

“It’s horrible, just horrible,” he said. “I’ve been bowling over at Osceola for a long time. I’ve known the Gizas, the owners, and Mike Lewis, who takes care of it, for a long time.”

Fortunately for the Creston athletes, their gear is not stored in Osceola.

The two teams were scheduled to have a dual senior night Monday at Alley Bowl that will no longer be possible.

For the Panthers, it’s just a change in location. Pendegraft has secured the Creston bowlers a spot to practice in Stuart at Stuart Bowl.

The girls Class 1A Region 3 State Qualifying Meet was scheduled to host seven teams next Monday, Feb. 2 at Alley Bowl, but Pendegraft said they are waiting for the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union to reassign them elsewhere.

Creston’s Glenn Orr is in a bowling league in Osceola with Pendegraft. He went over Sunday to help how he could.

“He went over this morning and took his trailer and collected as many bags and balls of equipment that he could,” Pendegraft said. “He tried to salvage as much as he could. He’s getting it dried out and hopefully some of that stuff will still be good.”

Orr posted photos of the salvaged equipment on Facebook Sunday afternoon.

“My heart goes out to [Jeff and Amy Giza],” Orr wrote. “I can’t imagine or put to words the way they have to feel.”

The salvaged gear will be at the Orr Heating and Air Conditioning shop at 314 W. Montgomery St. in Creston. Those who had gear stored at Alley Bowl are asked to call them at 641-344-2674 to try to identify their equipment.

A social media campaign began early Sunday as community members sought to help the bowlers as they scramble to find equipment to finish out the season. Those wishing to contribute financially are asked to Venmo @Amy-Giza.

“Both our boys and girls bowling teams have had an incredible season, and we are extremely proud of their hard work, resilience and dedication,” Clarke Community Schools Facebook posted. “As our girls bowling team prepares to head to districts next week, we wish both teams the very best and know they will continue to represent Clarke with pride. We are currently working with coach Giza and coach [Craig] Wisniewski on a plan to support the teams.”

Clarke’s teams have been having success this year, the boys 10-0 and the girls 11-1.

“I’m sure they’ll bounce back. Those kids are good,” Pendegraft said. “No matter where they go bowl, they are going to be good. I hope they do well and make it to state, they’ve earned it.”