The Stark County High School Bowling Conference has begun its 21st season with 23 teams playing across four divisions.
The Triway girls and Carrollton boys emerged as champions during the conference’s Early Bird Kickoff Classic at Park Centre Lanes.
Below are previews for teams for the upcoming season. Previews appear in alphabetical order. Only schools which submitted preview forms to snieronbowling.com are included in the SOB preview. Coaches still may submit forms which will be added to the preview when they become available.
BOYS
CANTON CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Head coach: Taylor Devaul (Sturm)
2021-22 record: 1-17
Home center: Strike Zone Lanes
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Philip Yingling (letterman, 155); Tim Short (letterman, 150); Tim Sieber (letterman, 156); Logan Gawlak (letterman, 155); Braylan Gawlak (Fr.).
Program history: The Crusaders are a charter member of the conference (21 years).
Coach’s outlook: “I am extremely optimistic about this season. We have a very young team, no seniors, so we will have a change to grow for two years. The returning bowlers have improved, and we have a freshman that is very promising. We are here to compete this year and made a great showing at the Early. Bird Tournament. Even though we missed the cut by 12 pins, I was so proud of their performance. We can only build off of that momentum. It’s going to be a great year.” — Devaul (Sturm)
CANTON McKINLEY
Head coach: Kim Heaton
2021-22 record: 15-4
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame
Varsity roster (year, letters): Nickolas Halm (Fr.); Hunter Henson (Sr., two-year letterman); Jacob King (Soph.); Zach McCutchan (Sr., four-year letterman); James Tucker (Soph., two-year letterman); Jonathan Waggoner (Soph., two-year letterman)
Program history: The Bulldogs have had many individual qualifiers, but has made one state appearance as a team. Zach McCutchan has made three state appearances overall.
Coach’s outlook: “We’re very excited for the Eason. We had one heck of a season last year, and we can’t wait to see what tis season has in store for us. We started with a 5-0 start this season.” — Heaton
CARROLLTON
Head coach: Dave Davis
2021-22 record: 9-1 (conference)
Home center: Carroll Lanes
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Kobe Green (Sr., three-year letterman, 207); Brant George (Sr., three-year letterman, 190); Bryce Taylor (Soph., one-year letterman, 195); Jaden Johnston (Jr., one-year letterman, 165); Noah Hudson (Fr.); Jace Eckinger (Fr.); Nelson Grimm (Jr., 155, JV player); Dustin Ulman (Jr., 155, JV player).
Program history: The Warriors have made three state appearances in their 15-year history, including last season when they were Eastern District champions. Other appearances came in 2011 and 2018. Ian Pallaye also made an individual appearance in 2021.
Coach’s outlook: “We lost five seniors to graduation so we have some big shoes to fill. However, I am optimistic that the core returnees with promising newcomers will allow us to pursue our team goals.” — Davis.
CONOTTON VALLEY
Head coach: Dennis Gordon
2021-22 record: 10-2 (conference)
Home center: Rocket Center Lanes
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Spencer Bernhart (Sr., three-year letterman, 181); Nolan Caldwell (Sr., three-year letterman, 206); Bobby Brennan (Jr., two-year letterman, 215); Robert Myer (Sr., three-year letterman, 188); Jayden Rolli (Sr., three-year letterman, 162); Nate Downing (Fr.).
Program history: The four-year-old program moves into its own bowling center this season.
Coach’s outlook: “The outlook looks strong for the Rockets. We didn’t lose any starters from last season and had a decent 18-2 record. We’re focusing on advancing out of the district tournament and advancing to Columbus for the Division II state championships.” — Gordon
EAST CANTON
Head coach: Todd Thomas
2021-22 record: NA
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Zach Bibey (Sr., three-year letterman, 173.10; Andrew Wade (Sr., one-year letterman, 153.93); Logan Helwig 9Jr., two-year letterman, 173.81); Tyler Steigerwald (Soph., 123.26); Kendrick Nelson (Sr., 109.62); Zaiden Sherrod (Soph., 101).
Program history: Bryce Beadnell made a state appearance last season for the Hornets.
Coach’s outlook: “I can see the potential in this team. It is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication for them to reach their potential. If we communicate well, and work together as a team, we are capable of doing some good things by the end of the season.” — Thomas
GLENOAK
Head coach: Jossett Petrick (first year)
2021-22 record: 5-7 (conference)
Home center: Park Centre
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Alex Howard (letterman, 179); Anthony Vacant (172); Dylan Petrick (letterman, 200); Nate Davis (letterman, 200); Xzavier Gardener (letterman, 193); Isaac Davis (letterman, 190).
Program history: The Eagles are one of the charter members of the conference.
Coach’s outlook: “Only having a limited amount of time with our athletes, I’m confident saying we will have a successful season. They have come with open minds and a willingness to learn. The returning varsity bowlers have stepped up to help our new bowlers and exemplify pride for their school and sport. I predict growth in the team as the bowlers come together achieving — goals. We have a knowledgeable and strong boys team. They are a class act.” — Petrick.
LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN
Head coach: Lyle Misener
2021-22 record: 8-10 (7-9 in conference)
Home center: Spins Bowl Akron
Varsity roster (year): Jacob Wyder (Sr.), Zane Grabowski (Sr.), Carson Eby (Jr.), Brant Roberts (Jr.), Jacob Sommers (Jr.), Caleb Stirewalt (Jr.).
Coach’s outlook: “If we make a higher percentage of spares than last year, we will win more matches.” — Misener
LAKE
Head coach: Patrick King
2021-22 record: 9-11 (5-7 in conference)
Home center: Park Centre Lanes
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): CJ Ault (Sr., one-year letterman, 181); Nic Templeton (Sr., two-year letterman, 184); Jacob Trent (Sr., one-year letterman, 160); Zac Abbott (Soph., one-year letterman, 208); Brady Tompot (Soph., one-year letterman, 184)
Program history: The Blue Streaks are a charter member of the SCHSBC.
Coach’s outlook: “The projected starting five for Lake this season returns with significant game action from last season. All five boys also have participated in offseason action and/or tournaments. The team is very focused on building on the experience and making a strong postseason run.” — King
MARLINGTON
Head coach: Beth Schick
2021-22 record: 1-17
Home center: None (practice at Christopher Columbus Lanes in Alliance)
Varsity roster (year, 2021-22 avg.): Jeremy Toole (Jr., 163.28); Jamisen Carver (Jr., 113.67); Andrew Thomas (Soph., 121.33); Kaleb Scott (Soph, 104.38); Hunter Powers (Soph, 103.77); Dakota Garden (Sr.); Kameron Keene (Sr.); Drake Clemens (Jr.)
Program history: This marks the program’s sixth season.
Coach’s outlook: “Quite a few new gentlemen have joined our team, including two seniors and several juniors who may provide leadership for the Dukes. We are hoping for more consistency and an increase in average among players this season. Our eturbibg platers are helping to coach the newer guys as they begin the sport.” — Schick
MINERVA
Head coach: Nick Embrogno
2021-22 record: 14-4 (conference)
Home center: Minerva Bowl
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Isaiah Frazier (Sr., three-year letterman, 199.21); Michael May (Sr., one-year letterman, 191.36); Dylan Bias (Sr., one-year letterman); Randy Meadows (Jr.); Landon Jones (Soph.); Gage Eller (Soph.); Lane Hawk (Fr.); Parke rEckstein (Fr.).
Program history: In its 20-year history, the Lions have made one state appearance during the 2015-16 season, finishing 15th. Ryan Bowman also made a state individual appearance.
Coach’s outlook: “We have a balanced team this year. We are welcoming drive new bowlers. We all have individual and team goals this year, and we are hoping to meet or exceed those expectations.” — Embrogno.
PERRY
Head coach: Alex Lincoln
2021-22 record: 10-2 (conference)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Kaleb Corrin (Sr.); Evan Nave (Sr.); Richard Close (Sr.); Nick Harmon (Jr.); Nick Gobbler (Jr.); Cameron Hervey (Soph.); Carson Presutti (Soph.); Kory Post (Soph.).
Program history: The Panthers were a conference charter member and have made 10 state appearances in 21 seasons, including last season. They have reached state the past four seasons. Brandon Boykin also made an individual appearance in 2016.
Coach’s outlook: “I think that we are going to have a good team this season. We have a lot of great kids that are working very hard to continuously improve. If they continue to listen and work hard, I believe we can make it down to Columbus for the fifth year in a row.” — Lincoln.
SANDY VALLEY
Head coach: Dave DeFord
2021-22 record: 5-10 (5-7 conference)
Home center: Carroll Lanes
Returning lettermen: (year): Alonzo Peche (Sr.), Jacob Fiddler (Jr.), AJ Meighen (Jr.), Sean Maddox (Jr.), Jack Bowman (Jr.), Russell Hummel (Jr., Jakob Crowe (Jr.), Andrew Hughes (Soph.)
Coach’s outlook: “We have a great group of boys this year. The veterans are always willing to help the rookies and everyone has a really great attitude. Our biggest strength is the depth we have on this team. I have many options to choose from and know that whoever I pick will step up and get the job done. We need to work on team confidence. Even though our team consists primarily of upperclassmen, they are all still new bowlers. Having just started bowling in high school, the have only been bowling for two or thee years. It seems like some of them don’t believe in themselves, even though coaches do. We are looking to be competitive. We are looking to be relevant in our conference and hope to be a threat to other teams.” — DeFord
TRIWAY
Head coach: Vince Yoder
2021-22 record: 16-2 (10-0 in SCHSBC)
Home center: Triway Lanes
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Owen Fiedler (Jr., two-year letterman, 199.86 avg.); Ethan Rutherford (Sr., two-year-letterman, 170.84); Brandon Rich (Sr., two-year letterman, 191.76; Chad Harper (Sr., one-year letterman, 205.46); Aeron Meshew (Jr., two-year letterman, 205.63); Maxton Fiesler (Soph., one-year letterman, 186.33); Caden Swanger (Sr., one-year letterman, 175.55)
Program history: In the program’s 10-year history, the Titans have made four state appearances in Division II, including state runner-up in 2015, fifth place in 2016, 10th place in 20220 and 11th place in 2022. Also, there were individual state appearances from Jacob Yoder and Casey Freeman.
Coach’s outlook: “We have very single starter coming back on this team. Obviously, we want to win the division and as many tournaments as we can during the season. We will be in a different house this year for the first time in sectionals, but we want to win. The on to district and win that as well. We finished 11th at sate last year, then watched our girls win the whole thing the next day. That should make the boys hungry to not only get back there, but make the cut, make some noise down and win. That is the goal, to win. We have the experience, we have the talent, now it’s just a matter of going out and completing this goal. Playing the lanes properly will be the key for us.” — Yoder.
GIRLS
CANTON CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Head coach: Bud Stebbins
2021-22 record: 12-5 (7-3 in conference)
Home center: Strike Zone Lanes
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Sarah Colucy (Sr., three-year letterman, 165); Alex Vargo (Sr., three-year letterman, 159); Bella Vargo (Sr., three-year letterman, 135); Sara Buwala (Jr.); Sophia Montgomery (Jr.).
Program history: The Crusaders made their first state appearance last season in their 21 years after finishing third during the Northeast District. They also took first in he Private School Challenge last season.
Coach’s outlook: “We have a solid three returning to varsity. We have some to do on the four and five spots with new to the game bowlers on the junior varsity. With some hard work from our two bowlers moving up from the JV team and some promising new bowlers, we hope to be competitive, especially toward the end of the season. — Stebbins
CANTON McKINLEY
Head coach: Kim Heaton
2021-22 record: 7-12
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame
Varsity roster (year, letters): Kayla Evans (Jr., one-year letterman); Haleigh Leggett (Soph., one-year letterman); Maria Ramirez-Depasquale (Jr., one-year letterman); Makayla McClelland (Soph.); Sandra Sweet (Jr., one-year letterman); Maria Wise (Soph.)
Program history: The Bulldogs have made two state appearances in 209 and 2020, with Brooke Tucker also making an individual appearance in 2021.
Coach’s outlook: “Haleigh Leggett is our only returning starter. Top newcomers are Maria Wise, who is in her first year on the team, along with Makayla McClelland, who saw limited action as a freshman.” — Heaton
CONOTTON VALLEY
Head coach: Brian Baxter
2021-22 record: 12-0 (conference)
Home center: Rocket Center Lanes
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Daphne Stuber (Sr., three-year letterman, 188); Katie Schaar (Sr., three-year letterman, 172); Chloe Blick (Sr., three-year letterman, 155); Mackenzie Willoughby (Jr., two-year letterman, 183); Mylie Galigher (Soph., one-year letterman, 171); Delilah Williams (Fr.)
Program history: The four-year program had on tournament title a year ago at Legacy Lanes and a second in the Norton Panther Challenge.
Coach’s outlook: “The Lady Rockets should be very competitive this season. Our only loss last year was to state champion Triway. The girls have been working in the offseason and are aiming for that trip to Columbus for the state championships.” — Baxter
EAST CANTON
Head coach: Craig Linerode
2021-22 record: 9-10 (6-4 conference)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Isabel Weber (Sr., two-year letterman, 163.44); Victoria Alspaugh (Jr., one-year letterman, 147.45); Hannah Spencer (Jr., one-year letterman, 144.20); Rachel Simpkins (Jr., one-year letterman, 135.37); Madison Lint (Fr.); Logan McDonald (Fr.); Taylor Howard (Soph., 114.75).
Program history: The Hornets’ last state individual qualifier was Erika Witter in 2020.
Coach’s outlook: “Our entire coaching staff is very optimistic about this year’s team. This is the first as a coach at East Canton that I have had a team as talented as this one. In the past, we have had a couple of excellent bowlers, but we didn’t have the depth of talent that we have this year. The team is led by our lone senior, Isabel Weber, who is an excellent leader and rejoined the team at midseason last year because she missed bowling. Isabel is driven to make history with her teammates in her last year of eligibility. She well be paired with three juniors, last year’s player of the year Tori Alspaugh, Hannah Spencer and Rachel Simpkins. These juniors have worked had to better their games to prepare for the arrival of our two gifted freshmen.” — Linerode
GLENOAK
Head coach: Jossett Petrick
2021-22 record: 7-5 (conference)
Home center: Park Centre
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Breia Sanders; Kamryn Eakle (letterman, 154); Kathryn Chech (letterman, 165); Morgan Terakedis; Rai’ven Sanders (letterman, 122); Aurora Stergis.
Program history: The Eagles are a charter member of the conference and have produced individual state qualifiers..
Coach’s outlook: “Only having a limited amount of time with our athletes, I’m confident saying we will have a successful season. They have come with open minds and a willingness to learn. The returning varsity bowlers have stepped up to help our new bowlers and exemplify pride for their school and sport. I predict growth in the team as the bowlers come together achieving — goals. The girls team has great potential with three returning members. They are a class act.” — Petrick.
LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN
Head coach: Lyle Misener
2021-22 record: 7-13
Home center: Spins Bowl Akron
Varsity roster (year.): Kendall Wiff (Sr.), Sydney Spickorol (Sr.), Kennedy Woodberry (Jr.), Janel Zink (Jr.), Autumn Griffith (Soph.).
Coach’s outlook: “We’ll win more and lose less.” — Misener
LAKE
Head coach: Jeff Mowls
2021-22 record: 13-7 (6-6 conference)
Home center: Park Centre Lanes
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Ashlee Cunningham (Sr., two-year letterman, 170); Brooke Freshly (Sr., one-year letterman, 147); Kaylee Holler (Jr., one-year letterman, 153); Ali Templeton (Jr., one-year letterman, 147); Samantha Kuruc (Jr., 102)
Program history: The Blue Streaks were a charter member of the SCHSBC.
Coach’s outlook: “The girls are looking to become more consistent this season with the experience gained over the past two seasons of game action. The girls have been doused on picking up spares.” — Mowls
MARLINGTON
Head coach: Beth Schick
2021-22 record: 0-19
Home center: None (practice at Christopher Columbus Lanes in Alliance)
Varsity roster (year, l2021-22 avg.): Aleesa Horn (Jr., 112.16); Karlaysia WestCole (Soph., 113.33); Cora Wines (Soph, 104.33); Sophia Vigliotti (Jr., 97.15); Xena Shoemaker (Soph., 110); Chloe Turner (Jr.); Crystina Pate (Soph.)
Program history: Program is in its sixth season, had two individuals read district during 2020-21 season.
Coach’s outlook: “Our girls are coming off of a difficult season and we are looking for growth and new leadership among them. We have quite a few new ladies and they are hungry and eager for some victories.” — Schick
MINERVA
Head coach: Gary Cress Sr.
2021-22 record: 8-2 (conference)
Home center: Minerva Bowl
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Lydia Sanor (two-year letterman, 171); Shelby Worrell (two-year letterman, 166); Calee Lukowski (one-year letterman) 146; Sierra Cress (one-year letterman, 156); Jadynd Thompson (one-year letterman, 180); Areanna Leach (one-year letterman, 149); Kayla Henderson (one-year letterman, 112); Bailey Wood (newcomer).
Program history: In the program’s 20-year history, the Lions have made six state appearances, including last season (finishing 15th).
Coach’s outlook: “I feel we have the girls to get us a division title and to get us back to state and finish higher than we did last year.” — Cress.
PERRY
Head coach: Joe Altimore III
2021-22 record: 10-2 (Conference)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame
Varsity roster (year, letters: Shayla Turner (Sr., two-year letterman); Ami King (Jr., three-year letterman); Kiele Poling (Soph., two-year letterman); Emma Knutty (Sr.); Taylor Stanford (Sr.); Chloe Thomas (Soph.); Avery Wilt (Soph.)
Program history: Perry has made 10 state appearances in its 21-year history, including the last five years in a row, with a fourth place finish a year ago.
Coach’s outlook: “Get better every day.” — Altimore
SANDY VALLEY
Head coach: Joe Boyer Jr.
2021-22 record: 10-5 (8-4 in conference)
Home center: Carroll Lanes
Returning lettermen (year): Joey Boyer (Sr.), Miah Delaney (Sr.), Raven Cordia (Sr.), Mackenzie McLemore (Sr.), Sarah DeFord (Sr.), Addison Selby (Soph.), Peyton Selby (Soph.), Makayla Eversole (Sr.), Breanna Beckett (Jr.).
Coach’s outlook: “Our returning lettermen are our biggest strength. Sure girls have great attitudes and are very coachable. With five returning seniors, we have a lot of experience and are looking to capitalize on that. I am excited to start competing with this group of girls. We had an individual qualify for state last year, and the whole team went the year before that. We are looking to be competitive in our conference and hope to repeat a state run.” — Boyer
TRIWAY
Head coach: Corby Anderson
2021-22 record: 17-1 (10-0 in SCHSBC)
Home center: Triway Lanes
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2021-22 avg.): Addy Meshew (Jr., two-year letterman, 201.36); Kennedy Finley (Soph., one-year letterman, 156.12); Lindsay Miller (Sr., two-year letterman, 167.15); Danielle Densmore (Sr., two-year letterman, 183.86); Emma Yoder (Jr., two-year-letterman, 210.17); Sydney Wile (Sr., one-year letterman, 150.33); Victoria Baker (Sr., one-year letterman, 154.39).
Program history: In the program’s eight-year history, the Titans have made three state appearances, finishing third in 2020, sixth in 2021 and winning the Division II state title in 2022. Hannah Burns also made an individual appearance in 2016.
Coach’s outlook: “Coming off the great season that we had, it is even more important for us to continue to work hard at practice this season just like we did last year. Graduating no seniors from last season, the outlook seems like it should be really good, but we don’t want to take things for granted. We will go into every practice, every match and every tournament with the mindset o building ourselves into stronger bowlers, both physically and mentally.” — Anderson.