The 2021-22 Stark County High School Bowling Conference season officially opens Saturday with the sixth annual SCHSBC Conference Tournament, set for 9 a.m. at Park Centre Lanes.
For the opening tournament of the years, coaches decided not to permit fans due to the high number of teams. However, unlike last season, fans will be permitted to attend all matches this season, unless otherwise specified.
Teams (girls and boys) participating in Saturday’s tourney include Alliance, Carrollton, Central Catholic, East Canton, Hoover, Indian Valley, Jackson, Lake, Lake Center Christian, Louisville, Marlington, Massillon, McKinley, Sandy Valley, Triway, United Local and junior varsity teams from Green and Perry.
The Green girls and Perry boys and girls varsity teams will be at HP Lanes in Columbus on Saturday to participate in the Ohio HIgh School Bowling 18th annual Division I State Kickoff Tournament.
Saturday’s format will be two regular games followed by 10 Baker System games for qualifying. The top eight teams in each division will then advance to best-of-five match play by seed.
Boys and girls teams from the same school will be on the same pair for this tournament.
SEASON PREVIEW BELOW
Following is a preview of conference eams for the 2021-22 season. Only teams who submitted questionnaires distributed by Snier on Bowling are included in this preview. Others may be added as the season approaches.
This season, the conference has 26 total teams divided into four divisions.
BOYS
FEDERAL DIVISION
Green
Head coach: Phil Krumlauf
2020-21 record: 8-8, 2021 district qualifier
Home center: Turkeyfoot Lanes
Varsity roster: Taylor Barton (Sr., one-year letterman, 195), Devin Kohut (Sr., one-year letterman, 187), Angelo Pallotta (Soph.), Jesse Miller (Soph.), Colin Bowser (Jr.), Zach Kozlowski (Soph.), Anghony Bordanaro (Fr.)
Program history: 15 years, four state appearances, one individual state appearance (Peyton Krumlauf)
Coach’s outlook: “We are a young team, with only two returning lettermen — senior and second-team all-conference Taylor Barton and senior co-captain Devin Kohut. The remaining varsity bowlers are underclassmen. Sophomore Angelo Pallota performed well last year in limited action, will be out leadoff bowler. Junior Colin Bowser, sophomores Jesse Miller, Zack Kozlowski and freshman Anthony Bordanaro will see their first varsity action.”
Team
Head coach: Patrick King
2020-21 record: 9-13
Home center: Park Centre Lanes
Varsity roster: Christian Konigsberger (Sr., two-year letterman, 182.3), Scott Reynolds (Sr., two-year letterman, 173.4), Robert Eberz (Sr., two-year letterman, 158.9), Connor Ault (Jr., 160), Nic Templeton (Jr., one-year letterman, 169.0), Zac Abbott (Fr.), Liam Hughes (Fr.), Brady Tompot (Fr.)
Program history: 20th season
Coach’s outlook: “Lake’s returning seniors have seen a lot of action over the past couple of seasons. We are looking for their leadership to lead a team which will include a few freshmen.”
McKinley
Head coach: Kim Heaton
2020-21 record: 16-5
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame
Varsity roster: Brandon Leggett (Sr.), Alex Coffelt (Sr., three-year letterman, 199.43 avg.), Hunter Henson (Jr., one-year letterman, 154.29), Mathew Kuhn (Sr.), Zach McCutchan (Jr., two-year letterman, state qualifier, 215.83), James Tucker (Fr.), Jonathan Waggoner (Fr.), Dylan Shankle (Sr., two-year letterman, 190.49).
Program history: 20th year overall for program, with two individual state appearances.
Coach’s outlook: “This year we return four starters and have added another senior and two freshmen to round out what looks to be a team that will make another run at the Federal League title and the state tournament.”
AMERICAN DIVISION
Alliance
Head coach: Brian Kelly
2020-21 record: 1-13
Home center: None
Varsity roster: Devon Bing (Jr., letterman, 162 avg.), Justin Lashley (Jr., letterman, 150), Gannon Bing (Fr.), Taylor Galeano (Jr.), Paxton Reed (Jr., letterman, 132), Camden Blake (Jr., letterman, 130), Skyler McGrath (Jr., letterman, 142), Elijah Trvongchu (Soph., letterman, 86)
Program history: Made one state appearance, finishing ninth in 2017
Marlington
Head coach: Beth Schick
Home center: Christopher Columbus Lanes
Varsity roster: Keegan Edwards (Sr., three-year letterman, 175.69), Hayden Sambroak, Sr., two-year letterman), Michael Stauffer (Sr., one-year letterman), Jeremy Toole (Soph., one-year letterman), Kaleb Scott (Fr.), Jamisen Carver (Soph.), Andrew Thomas (Fr.), Hunter Powers (Fr.), Conner Maley (Sr.)
Program history: Fifth year
Coach’s outlook: “We have a good group of returning letterman leading our boys team. I am hoping to see them embrace their positions and work to help the new players develop their skills and love for the sport.”
Minerva
Head coach: Nick Embrogno
2020-21 record: 12-6
Home center: Minerva Bowl
Varsity roster: Ahdyn Lautzenheiser (Sr., three-year letterman, 194.04), Cameron Mayle (Sr., three-year letterman, 194.67), Isaac Willenbarger (Sr., two-year letterman, 180.36), Nick Baumgardner (Sr., two-year letterman, 165.58), Lloyd Grate (Sr., one-year letterman), Isaiah Frazier (Jr., two-year letterman, 188.27), Michael May (Jr.), Dylan Bias (Jr.)
Program history: 20th season, with one state appearance (2016)
Coach’s outlook: “We are looking forward to a strong season with a mature team. Our goals as a team are to take back the league championship as well as make our way to state. We are hoping to improve averages from last year and have more bowlers on the first team all-conference.”
NATIONAL DIVISION
Central Catholic
Head coach: Taylor Sturm
2020-21 record: 11-9
Home center: Strike Zone Lanes
Varsity roster: James Brown IV (Sr., one-year letterman, 160 avg.), Peyton Robbins (Sr., one-year letterman, 159), Tim Short (Soph., 139), Philip Yingling (Soph., 136), Josh Maio (Soph., 94.15), Logan Gawlak (Fr.)
Program history: 20th season
Coach’s outlook: “I am excited about the potential the team is showing. We lost four starters this past season and that is going to be tough. But I am seeing a lot of talent from individuals that we on JV last season as well as some upcoming freshmen. I can tell they all are willing to learn and want to strive to get better. I have faith that we will progress throughout the season and continue to succeed. This is a great bunch of guys.”
East Canton
Head coach: Todd Thomas
2020-21 record: 13-9 (9-5 in conference)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center
Varsity roster: Jaxon McDonald (Sr., three-year letterman, 188.63 avg.), Simeon Snyder (Sr., three-year letterman, 187.0), Bryce Beadnell (Sr., three-year letterman, 176.89), Zach Bibey (Jr., two-year letterman, 168.89), Logan Helwig (Soph., 139.63), Frank Fernandez (Jr., 140.79)
Program history: 20th season
Coach’s outlook: “Missing state last year by only 38 pins has fueled a veteran team to make a run in the conference and OHSAA tournaments. Their goal this year is to make history again by being the first team to make it to state. With three seniors and two juniors, they have the experience and dedication to make this a very memorable year. All three seniors take pride in being leaders of the team and are eager to guide the new additions to the varsity.”
Lake Center Christian
Head coach: Lyle Misener
2020-21 record: 1-13 (PTC), first season in SCHSBC
Home center: Spins Bowl Akron
Varsity roster: Zane Grabowski (Jr., 139 avg.), Jacob Wyder (Jr., 160), Carson Eby (Soph., 158), Brant Roberts (Soph., 116), Jacob Sommers (Jr., 105), Ryan Kyser (Jr.)
Program history: Third year
Coach’s outlook: “We have a very young team with some promising players. I expect a few of our varsity players to raise their previous averages by 30 to 40 pins this season.”
Triway
Head coach: Vince Yoder
2020-21 record: 17-2 (13-1 conference), won Lorain sectional title
Home center: Triway Lanes
Varsity roster: Shane Bender (Soph., 152.96), Owen Fiesler (Fr., 190-82), Lane Tisko (Sr., 197.37), Aeron Meshew (Fr., 204.63), Brandon Rich (Soph., 187.24), Ethan Rutherford (Soph., 161.48)
Program history: 10th season, state runner-up (2015), with two other state appearances; two individual state appearances (Jacob Yoder, Casey Freeman)
Coach’s outlook: “We are adding a few new players this year, but we had a decent team last year. We were young, but still won our division. This year on paper looks even better, but we all know how that works. It takes a lot of effort for us to win the division, win sectionals, and finish high enough to meet our goal of getting to state. We have been to Columbus enough to know that is the ultimate goal every season. The kids come in knowing that, which makes it a little easier when they already have the drive to be better. You can’t teach that drive; they have to want it themselves.”
SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION
Carrollton
Head coach: Dave Davis
2020-21 record: 20-0 (14-0 in SCHSBC, 8-0 in EBC, third at sectional and second at district)
Home center: Carroll Lanes
Varsity roster: Ian Pallaye (Sr., three-year letterman, 192 avg.), Clint Brackin (Sr., three -year letterman, 184), Ryan Worth (Sr., two-year letterman, 178), Brant George (Jr., two-year-letterman, 183), Kobe Green (Jr., two-year letterman, 174), Eric Brackin (Soph., 170), Tyson Baker (Sr., two-year letterman, 168), Tyler Ulman (Sr., two-year letterman, 165)
Program history: 14th season with two state team and one individual appearances (Ian Pallaye).
Coach’s outlook: “We graduated three seniors who were three-year starters so we start the season with big shoes to fill. Hopefully our kids who have not been in much action will step up and continue our fine tradition of excellence at Carrollton.”
Dover
Head coach: Steven Scherer
2020-21 record: 6-16
Home center: Wabash Lanes
Varsity roster: Colin McGlothlin (Soph., 178), Declan Gray (Soph., 131), Caleb German (Soph., 115), Evan Stein (Soph., 111), Gavin Mitchell (Jr.), Pedro Sardinas (Fr.), Jacob Shanklin (Fr.)
Program history: Nine years, with one state appearance
Coach’s outlook: “We’re fielding a young team. We’ll have fun and learn a lot this season.”
New Philadelphia
Head coach: Jeff Locker
2020-21 record: 10-8
Home center: Boulevard Lanes
Varsity roster: Gabe Fair (Soph., one-year letterman), Josh Henke (Jr.), Alex Knisely (Soph., one-year letterman), Zach Schupbach (Sr., three-year letterman), Caleb Ankeny (Soph., one-year letterman), Simon Thomas (Jr.), Carson Kolat (Soph., Jonah Henke (Jr.)
Program history: Six years
Coach’s outlook: “We are very excited and optimistic for the upcoming season. There is a nice mixture of veteran and younger bowlers.”
GIRLS
FEDERAL DIVISION
Green
Head coach: Dustin Hughes
2020-21 record: 18-0 (Federal League champions)
Home center: Turkeyfoot Lanes
Varsity roster: Veda Hughes (Sr., three-year letterman), Marissa Perrine (Jr., two-year letterman), Alyssa Holt (Jr., one-year letterman), Elena Hughes (Soph., one-year letterman), Madison Perrine (Fr.)
Program history: 15 years, finished seventh at state last season and top conference Kickoff tournament; Veda Hughes was Greater Akron female bowler of year.
Coach’s outlook: “We are looking for multiple tournament wins this season and repeating as conference champions. We expect nothing less than a top-five finish at the state tournament.”
Lake
Head coach: Jeff Mowls (first season at Lake)
2020-21 record: 13-9
Home center: Park Centre Lanes
Varsity roster: Emma Gross (Sr., 132.7 avg.), Jenna Peresta (Sr., two-year letterman, 152.4), Janessa Wallbrown (Sr., two-year letterman, 146.6), Ashlee Cunningham (Jr., one-year letterman, 160), Brooke Freshley (Jr., one-year letterman, 143.1), Ali Templeton (Soph., 124.5)
Program history: 20th season
Coach’s outlook: “Lake is looking to establish some consistency from the returning bowlers and get a couple of girls stepping up from the JV team to be contributors.”
McKinley
Head coach: Kim Heaton
2020-21 record: 16-4
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame
Varsity roster: Abigail Eckard (Sr.), Haley Shahan (Sr., 94.91 avg.), Maria Ramirez (Soph.), Sandra Sweet (Soph.), Haleigh Leggett (Soph.), Brooke Tucker (Sr., 210.80, Federal Player of the Year)
Program history: 20th year for program; state qualifying team past two seasons.
Coach’s outlook: “With graduating six seniors last year we’re going to have a very young ream. I know we’re goign to have some growing pains early in the season, but we have some young ladies that are eager to learn. By the end of the season, we’ll be right there to make a tournament run.”
PERRY
Head coach: Joe Altimore III
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame
Varsity roster: Hannah Miller (Sr., two-year letterman), Alexis Carper (Sr., two-year letterman), Ami King (Soph., one-year letterman), Riley Morrison (Sr., one-year letterman), Shayla Turner (Jr.), Kiele Poling (Fr.), Jordan Schumaker (Sr.), Anna Geis (Jr.)
Program history: 20 years, nine state appearances including eight of last 10 years and last five in a row.
Coach’s outlook: “Our outlook is simple: win a few, lose a few but again make a run at the state tournament.”
AMERICAN DIVISION
Alliance
Head coach: Lucinda Kelly
2020-21 record: 0-14
Home center: None
Varsity roster: Tamra Jackson (Jr., letterman, 117 avg.), Samantha Kisner (Jr., letterman, 101), Campbell Dosa (Soph., letterman, 99), Emilee Reikowsky (Soph.), JaLeya Wood (Soph.), Sophia Thomas (Soph.), Georgia Gordon (Fr.)
Marlington
Head coach: Beth Schick
Home center: Christopher Columbus Lanes
Varsity roster: Sophie Vigliotti (Soph., one-year letterman), Shianne Spilios (Sr., one-year letterman), Xena Shoemaker (Fr.), Isabella Silios (Fr.), Cora Wines (Fr.), Karlaysia West-Cole (Fr.), Aleesa Horn (Soph.), Kim Baumgarten (Sr.)
Program history: Fifth year
Coach’s outlook: “I have a very optimistic outlook for this season. We are fielding a lot of young girls with backgrounds and experience in other sports who are excited to give bowling a try. I am proud o their hard work and improvement so far.”
Minerva
Head coach: Gary Cress Sr.
2020-21 record: 8-2 (conference)
Home center: Minerva Bowl
Varsity roster: Skye Davis (Jr., one-year letterman, 138 avg.), Lydia Sanor (Jr., one-year letterman, 133), Shelby Worrell (Soph., one-year letterman, 167), Sierra Cress (Fr.), Jadynn Thompson (Fr.), Calee Lukowski (Jr., 123), Anna Leach (Fr.)
Program history: 20th season
Coach’s outlook: “We have a young team, but I feel we will compete with the rest of our division.”
NATIONAL DIVISION
Central Catholic
Head coach: Bud Stebbins
2020-21 record: 6-14
Home center: Strike Zone Lanes
Varsity roster: Alina Stebbins (Sr., three-year letterman, 187 avg.), Alex Vargo (Jr., two-year letterman, 152), Sarah Colvey (Jr., two-year letterman, 148), Amanda Varacky (Sr., three-year letterman, 139), Bella Vargo (Jr., two-year letterman, 128), Oriana Smith (Soph., one-year letterman, 97)
Program history: 20th season, sectional champions
Coach’s outlook: “We’re optimistic. We have all five starters returning from last year’s sectional championship team and hope to take our first Central bowling team to the state tournament. The team will be led by three-year captain Alina Stebbins, who was the high individual at sectionals last season. This is a great group of young ladies who really came together as a team. They’re a lot of fun to coach.”
East Canton
Head coach: Craig Linerode
2020-21 record: 11-11 (5-9 conference)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center
Varsity roster: Annabella Kovach (Sr., one-year letterman, 116.58 avg.), Hailey Jovingo (Sr., 111.64), Rachel Simpkins (Soph., 101.3), Emmelia Wierbowski (Soph., 91.5), Victoria Alspaugh (Soph., 102.95), Alayna Boling (Soph, 115.18), Hannah Spencer (Soph.)
Program history: 20th season, two past individual appearances at state (Jennifer Crawford, Erika Witter).
Coach’s outlook: “Last season we graduated our entire varsity team, so this year will begin the building of another varsity squad. We are excited to have a lot of young ladies that have excellent work ethics and a desire to build on the legacy of last year’s graduates. We are very optimistic because we have seen a tremendous growth in the girls from their freshmen year to their sophomore year. In addition, we have two great senior leaders in Annabella Kovach and Hailey Jovingo.”
Lake Center Christian
Head coach: Lyle Misener
2020-21 record: 0-14 (PTC), first season in SCHSBC
Home center: Spins Bowl Akron
Varsity roster: Kendall Wiff (Jr., 132 avg.), Janel Zink (Soph., 108), Sydney Spickard (Jr., 92), Kennery Woudberry (Soph., 90), Alli Underwood (Sr., 101)
Program history: Third year
Coach’s outlook: “We very excited by the turnout. The girls have a great attitude and like to practice. I see several bowlers raising their averages by 20 to 30 pins this season.”
Triway
Head coach: Corby Anderson
2020-21 record: 17-2 (13-1 conference)
Home center: Triway Lanes
Varsity roster: Aanielle Densmore (Soph., 157), Addy Meshew (Fr., 195.18), Lindsay Miller (Soph., 164.90), Britany Safarik (Sr., 197.82), Mikaylee Tucker (Jr., 152.37), Emma Yoder (Fr., 198.97)
Program history: Eight year, state appearances last two seasons (fourth and sixth, respectively), with one individual state appearance (Hannah Burns)
Coach’s outlook: “It will be a challenge to replace our lone senior Britany Safarik, but to have the four others back for the next two years will be a great asset. With a few new parts coming in, this team has the potential to get back to Columbus for the third year in a row. WE gave two key corner posts in Addy Meshew and Emma Yoder and our other two experienced players with Danielle Densmore and Lindsay Miller. We just need to fill in one or two more pieces and it should be a fun ride.”
SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION
Dover
Head coach: Steven Scherer
2020-21 record: 11-10
Home center: Wabash Lanes
Varsity roster: Kaylie Gibson (Jr., 194 avg.), Sidney Zimmerman (Jr., 164), Natalie Nealy (Jr., 158), Krya Drescher (Jr., 61), Madison Wagner (Sr.), Jaelyn Fecbish (Soph.), Kylie Pittman (Fr.)
Program history: Nine years, one individual state appearance (Kylie Gibson)
Coach’s outlook: “We have three seasoned varsity players with several good additions. Our outlook for a winning season is very good.”
New Philadelphia
Head coach: Deb Wisintainer
Home center: Boulevard Lanes
Varsity roster: Maggie Compher (Sr., three-year letterman), Hannah Trimble (Sr., three-year letterman), Graci Wigfield (Jr., one-year letterman), Kate Hall (Soph., one-year letterman), Emmie Warner (Jr., one-year letterman), Lexi Warner (Soph.), Kadence Beitzel (Fr.), Grace Reinerts (Fr.)
Program history: Six years with one state individual appearance (Maddie Bair)
(PREVIEWS BASED ON QUESTIONNAIRES RETURNED TO SNIER ON BOWLING. MORE WILL BE ADDED. TO SUBMIT OR REQUEST QUESTIONNAIRES, EMAIL US AT snierw@gmail.com