The Father Gabriel Richard boys bowling team is making a return appearance at the MHSAA state championships this weekend. The Fighting Irish, who reached the quarterfinal round last season, will compete in Friday’s Division 3 final at Airport Lanes in Jackson. Gabriel Richard is the only Washtenaw County team to qualify for the finals and had two individuals -- brothers Mike Goike and Justin Goike -- qualify for Saturday’s singles finals by finishing in the top 10 of their respective regional tournaments.

Mike qualified in 2010, Justin in 2009. This is the first time they have both qualified together. Their coach? Their father, Bob Goike, of course.

"They have all my experience in bowling to help them," Bob said.

Mike has enjoyed the most success of the two brothers, reaching the round of 16 at the Division 3 state singles finals last year.

So what of the possibility that Mike and Justin face each other in the individual portion of the tournament, held on Saturday? Bob thinks it'd be great, but they'll both have to go that match without any advice from him.

"If it happened, I wouldn't coach either and just let them battle it out," he said Other local singles qualifiers include Pioneer’s Katie Leite, the county’s only female representation. She and Saline’s Nicholas Tillma advanced to the Division 1 finals at M-66 Bowl in Battle Creek. Ypsilanti’s Tom Reynolds will play in the Division 2 finals at Century Lane in Waterford.