Boys bowling / Scouting Lake County
Scouting boys bowling
Lake Zurich
Coach: Peter Kupfer (sixth year)
Host Lanes: Brunswick Zone - Deer Park
Top bowlers lost: Steve Garcia and Kyle Hunter.
Top bowlers returning: Tony Giannecchini (Sr.), Quinn Nelson (Sr.), Mike Schmitt (Jr.), Mike Wormley (Jr.),
Newcomers: Brent Poynter (Jr.), Max Galarce (So.)
Outlook: Lake Zurich returns from its best finish at state (third place) after reaching state for a second straight year. “We’re hoping to build from our third-place finish at state last season,” Lake Zurich coach Peter Kupfer said. “We have a couple of seasoned veterans (Schmitt and Giannecchini) and some other talented bowlers that have some experience. The boys have been working hard in their travel and sport shots’ leagues in the off-seasons.”
Did you know: Mike Schmitt returns to the team after finishing second in the state last year, missing the top spot by 45 pins.
Libertyville
Coach: David Kahn (second year)
Host Lanes: Lakeside Lanes, Mundelein
Top bowlers lost: Nathan Horwitz and Marcus Truskowski.
Top bowlers returning: Tanner Collin (Sr.), Kyle Rother (Sr), Max Schmidt (Sr.), Jake Thompson (Jr,), Sam Schmidt (Jr.), Jack Baumruk (So.).
Newcomers: Adam Doherty (So.), Duncan Hughes (Fr.)
Outlook: After just a few years in existence, Libertyville is fast becoming a better bowling program. “We do have a relatively young team,” Libertyville coach David Kahn said. “Yet they’re fast becoming a unit with common goals and appreciation for bowling as a team sport.”
Did you know: Libertyville is the newest of all the boys teams in the area but already competing at a high level.
Stevenson
Coach: Barry Lapping (sixth year)
Host Lanes: Lakeside Lanes, Mundelein.
Top bowlers lost: Joel Frankel, Chris Kosky, Max Kozaky. Paul Ritt, John Schmidt, Joey Scimeca, Ashton Wasserman.
Top bowlers returning: Scott Friedrichs (Sr.), Brendan Horwitz (Sr.), Arnie Nadel (Sr.).
Newcomers: Justin Edelheit (So.), Zach Keith (So.). Ethan Rosuck (So.), Matt Poetker (Fr.)
Outlook: Graduation hit Stevenson pretty hard after last year, so the Patriots need to make some adjustments this season. Brendan Horwitz has answered the challenge so far with high games of 266 on a couple of occasions. “We do have a few bowlers that are into the game,” Stevenson coach Barry Lapping said. “With some of our newcomers, we should have some competitive balance.”
Did you know: Stevenson hasn’t had a team make state, but two individual bowlers rolled their way there in the last five years. Paul Ritt placed 13th and Eric Woeckel 21st.
Vernon Hills
Coach: Ron Long (12th year)
Host Lanes: Brunswick Zone-Hawthorn, Vernon Hills
Top bowlers lost: Nick Garpow (Witchita State), Steven Linda, Mason Madej, Jimmy Tyrcha
Top bowlers returning: Parrish Ashford (Sr.), Sam Fink (Sr.), David Goldberg (Sr.), Jeremy Steininger (Sr.), Alex Winter (Sr.), Eric Swanson (Jr.)
Newcomers: Justin Onozato (Jr.), Justin Becker (So.)
Outlook: Vernon Hills had its best finish at state, taking second last year after leading the tournament following Day 1. The Cougars say they’re ready for another run this year. “How about a state championship?” said Vernon Hills coach Ron Long, who mentioned the possibility without hesitation. “I expect us to do pretty good once again. Not sure if we can win it all — we do have to deal with better schools at that level. It will take a lot of hard work to get there.”
Did you know: Vernon Hills’s second-place finish at state last year was the school’s best in a team sport.