Boys bowling: Scouting Lake County
Grant
Coach: Angela Balaneg (first year)
Lanes: Antioch Lanes, Antioch
Newcomers: Dom Brugioni (Sr.), Richard Huber (Sr.), Justin Schaefer (Sr.), Walter Foreman (So.), Mitch Norris (So.)
Outlook: Grant starts its first season on the lanes. The Bulldogs went out and won their first two meets in Northern Illinois Boys Bowling Conference action. “It’s an exciting beginning for the Grant bowling team,” coach Angela Balaneg said. “It’s a blessing and it’s fantastic.”
Lake Zurich
Coach: Peter Kupfer (seventh year)
Lanes: Brunswick Zone Deer Park
Top bowlers lost: Tony Giannecchini, Quinn Nelson
Top bowlers returning: Mike Schmitt (Sr.), Mike Wormley (Sr.), Brent Poynter (Sr.), Max Galarce (Jr.)
Newcomers: Bobby Dolatowski (Jr.), Ben Madura (So.)
Outlook: Mike Schmitt finished second and third in state the last two years, and Lake Zurich returns others who have helped the Bears advance to state. “With a strong returning core and underclassmen that have worked hard in the off-season, we hope to pick up where we left off last year and compete for a conference and sectional title,” coach Peter Kupfer said. “The boys are determined and focused to make a return trip to state, but our conference and sectional are always challenging, so we are staying committed to the basics.”
Libertyville
Coach: David Kahn (third year)
Lanes: Lakeside Lanes, Mundelein
Top bowlers lost: Tanner Collin, Kyle Rother, Max Schmidt
Top bowlers returning: Brian Georgeson (Sr.), Jake Thompson (Sr,), Sam Schmidt (Sr.), Jack Baumruk (Jr.)
Newcomers: Alex Price (So.)
Outlook: Libertyville has four returning varsity bowlers back. Sophomore Alex Price has improved his average by 70 pins. The Wildcats are off to a 5-2 start. They set a school record (3,164) against Lake Zurich. “Our focus this year is team and winning the Northern Illinois Boys Bowling Conference,” coach David Kahn said. “Then we’d like to be competing in the state tournament in January.”
Stevenson
Coach: Barry Lapping (seventh year)
Lanes: Lakeside Lanes, Mundelein
Top bowlers lost: Scott Friedrichs, Brendan Horwitz, Arnie Nadel
Top bowlers returning: Zach Keith (Jr.), Ethan Rosuck (Jr.), Matt Poetker (So.)
Newcomers: Rafa Ridao (So.), Ted Tapas (Fr.)
Outlook: A young group brings some of experience to the lanes. “We would like to compete for the conference and take a shot at state,” coach Barry Lapping said. “We have some pretty good potential. If we can put things together, learn and get some breaks, it will all even out in the long run.”
Vernon Hills
Coach: Ron Long (13th year)
Lanes: Brunswick Zone Hawthorn, Vernon Hills
Top bowlers lost: Parrish Ashford, Sam Fink, David Goldberg, Jeremy Steininger, Alex Winter
Top bowlers returning: Zack Furlett (Sr.), Eric Swanson (Sr.), Justin Becker (Jr.)
Newcomers: Justin Onozato (Sr.), Eric Doerhoefer, (Jr.), Josh Hallendorf (Jr.), Noah Melcer (Jr.)
Outlook: Vernon Hills has finished second in the state the last two years, and expectations are high again. Eric Swanson (220 average) returns for a fourth year and will provide plenty of leadership. “We would like to win the state title,” coach Ron Long said. “I believe we can do it. We want to do well in our conference, too. It’s just a matter of how much our bowlers can progress throughout the year.”