Fire Destroys Key Facility for Clarke High School Bowling Teams

An early morning fire caused significant damage to The Broken Spoke Bar and the Alley Bowl in Osceola, resulting in the loss of much of the athletic equipment used by the Clarke High School bowling teams. This incident has had a major impact on the program during a crucial time in the season.

The fire was reported around 2:34 a.m. at 116 ½ E. Webster Street, leading the Osceola Fire Department to request mutual aid. Crews from the Creston Fire Department arrived approximately 3:22 a.m. to assist in fighting the blaze, which caused extensive damage to both The Broken Spoke Bar and the connected Alley Bowl. Firefighters cleared the scene just after 5:30 a.m., with the cause of the fire still under investigation.

Alley Bowl, owned by Clarke bowling coach Jeff Giza, serves as the home facility for both the boys’ and girls’ teams. It hosts practices and meets throughout the season. Although no injuries were reported, Giza indicated that the building is likely a total loss due to fire, water, and extreme cold damage.

“All of the kids’ equipment — it’s just a total loss,” Giza said. “We’re trying our best to get balls, purchase shoes, purchase bags just to carry those balls to these tournaments, and all of that has to be done in literally less than a week.”

The loss affects all Clarke bowling athletes, including 12 varsity and 10 junior varsity bowlers. The damage comes just days before postseason competition, with the girls’ team preparing to compete in the district meet next week, which serves as a state qualifying event. The boys’ team is also approaching regional competition, where state qualification is on the line.

State officials are currently working to identify an alternate location for the upcoming district bowling competition. The school district has indicated updates will be shared as soon as a new venue is confirmed.

Despite the setback, Giza said community support has been overwhelming. Local businesses, families, and bowling pro shops — including several from the Des Moines area — have offered donations and services, including drilling bowling balls for athletes at no cost.

“There were probably 50 to 60 cars at the bowling alley today, and we only have parking for maybe 20 or 30,” Giza said. “It’s been amazing to see the community come together for these kids.”

In response to the damage, the Clarke Athletic Booster Club has launched a fundraising effort to help replace essential bowling equipment. Community members can sponsor an individual athlete or contribute toward equipment packages, which range from a $750 base package — covering items such as a bowling ball, shoes, and bag — to a $1,100 full package that includes a spare ball. Donations of any amount are being accepted.

Checks may be made payable to the Clarke Athletic Booster Club and mailed to PO Box 133, Osceola, Iowa 50213.

Giza said the support reflects the values of the program and the community behind it.

“It shows that we’re doing something right here at Clarke,” he said. “The community really backs these kids when they need it most.”