By BILL SNIER
Zachary Abbott has compiled an impressive high school bowling career, with first-team All-Federal League and Stark County Bowling Conference selections his first three years.
But one thing is missing from the 17-year-old Lake senior’s résumé.
Making an OHSAA Division I State Championships appearance.
But after a successful summer tournament run and with a new coaching staff for the Blue Streaks, Abbott feels Lake has the talent to reach district and possibly beyond after the girls were able to reach Columbus for the first time a year ago.
“Junior Gold was a wakeup call for me. I struggled there last year,” Abbott said of the 2024 Junior Gold Championship in Detroit, where he averaged 192.88 over 16 games, but missed the cut t the advancer’s round by just five pins.
“When I got back, I made sure I was going to be ready for next year. I’ve been practicing and bowling a lot.”
A two-handed right-hander, Abbott has five career 300 games, with two of them coming this summer during a Junior Tournament Bowlers Association event at Poelking South near Dayton and a Summit County USBC youth doubles at Charger Lanes in Norton.
“Really, my games has been feeling pretty good this summer. I’ve had a couple of good tournament runs,” said Abbott, who has averaged between 215.19 and 216.46 over his three high school seasons.
“I would like to get my average up to 225 this season. But anyone who knows me knows Park Centre (the Blue Streaks’ home center) has been a little bit of a struggle for me.”
Longtime Lake coach Patrick King decided to leave the position this season with Jeff Mowls, who helped guide the girls to the state tourney last season, taking over as head coach. Mowls will lead the boys team this season.
“He’s going to be coaching us more and be on the lanes more,” Abbott said. “I think he’s going to help the guys that need help. I really think he can get us over the hump.”
The “hump” has been getting the Blue Streaks boys out of sectional to the district level. Abbott made it in 2024 as an individual, but failed to advance to state. In their opening tournament at the SCHSBC Early Bird on Saturday, Lake was the top qualifying team, but was eliminated during the first-round of match play by No. 8 seed GlenOak.
“We have a pretty good team coming back. The goal is definitely district and then try to get to state,” Abbott said. “For me, the goal individually is to get to state my senior year.
“We have seven tournaments on the schedule this season and I think we need to win one or two to be successful. Then, we have to get to districts as a team. We hope to be first or second in the Federal League. We all want to win.”
Abbott admits there is “always room to improve” his game as he looks toward college. Four schools he has looked at are Capital, Muskingum, Pikeville (Ky.) and Trine (Ind.). He plans to major in business, but remains undecided on his choice.
“I feel I’m one of the best youth bowlers in the state, and I think I should have been at state every year. But I just haven’t done that,” Abbott said. “I just want to get over that hump.”
STATE CHAMP BACK
Also returning this season is the 2024 OHSAA Division II state champion Kaylee Russell, a Carrollton junior.
The right-hander shot 665 in March at HP Lanes in Columbus to claim the title. The Warriors will be seeking their sixth straight trip to the state tournament this season while Carrollton’s boys team has been moved up to Division I.
STARTING IT OFF
Jackson’s boys and Green’s girls emerged with titles during the SCHSBC’s Early Bird tournament on Saturday, with 15 conference schools being represented.
The Polar Bears defeated Green 3-2 in the title match, and the Bulldogs girls defeated Perry also 3-2 to secure the win. Perry also captured the overall team title, which entailed combining both boys and girls qualifying scores.
See a complete wrap-up of that event here:
HIGH SCHOOL BOWLING PREVIEWS
(Only teams returning questionnaires to snieronbowling.com are included in this preview.)
STARK COUNTY CONFERENCE
BOYS
CANTON CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Head coach: Taylor Devaul (fifth season)
2023-24 record: 3-5 (in conference)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Logan Gawlak (Sr., three-year, 188); Vito Marino (Sr.); Braylan Gawlak (Jr., two-year, 176); Dylan Bourquin (Jr.); Nate Anderson (Jr., one-year, 137); Rhys Knight (Soph.); Kaydan Mitan (Soph.).
Devaul’s outlook: “We lost three of our five starting varsity players last season, so we are going to have to really work for it this season. The younger bowlers are showing a lot of potential and the older ones have been fine during the summer. We are looking forward to a fun season.”
CANTON McKINLEY
Head coach: Kim Heaton
2023-24 record: 5-12 overall (2-10 in conference)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Alex Barth (Sr., two-year, 172.63); Avontae Cavett (Sr., one-year, 170.63); Nickolas Halm (Jr., two-year, 168); Jacob King (Sr., one-year, 172.83); James Tucker (Sr., three-year, 204.73); Jonathan Waggoner (Sr., three-year, 206.65).
Program history: Team placed eighth at OHSAA Division I state tournament in 2021; Zach McCutchan advanced to state as individual in 2019.
Heaton’s outlook: “We are looking forward to seeing how the boys perform. We have everyone back from last year with an addition in freshman Raymond Osborne. We have a lot of talent. The kids are working hard and focusing on their games everyday.”
CANTON SOUTH
Head coach: Brian Gates (15th season)
2023-24 record: 5-5 (conference)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Derick Fowler-Keagy (Jr., 163); Dillon Chessman (Jr., 141); Dean Payne (Sr., 145); Nate Morris (Sr., 156); Anthony Liebig (Fr.); William Thomas (Fr.).
Program history: 14th season with one individual state qualifier (Andrew Scarpino 2015)
Gates’ outlook: “We have moved into a new division in the conference so it will be an interesting season.”
CARROLLTON
Head coach: Joe Phillis (first year, four years as girls assistant)
2023-24 record: 15-4 (9-1 conference, 6-0 Eastern Buckeye Conference)
Home center: Atwood Lanes, Delroy
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Levi Cridder (Sr.); Bryce Taylor (Sr., three-year, 201.2); Khalen Green (Jr., one-year, 166.50); Jace Eckinger (Jr., two-year, 184.21); Brock Oberlin (Sr., one-year, 188.10); Noah Hutson, Jr., two-year, 191.77); Beau Bittaker (Sr., one-year, 163).
Program history: Program enters its 16th year, with state appearances the past two seasons.
Phillis’ outlook: “We have a very solid team returning with six returning lettermen. We have been moved from Division II to Division I this season, but I am certain this team will be very competitive. Among our returnees, we have Bryce Taylor, the EBC Player of the Year.”
GLENOAK
Head coach: Jossett Petrick (third season)
2023-24 record: 9-3 (conference)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Anthony Vacanti (Sr., one-year, 210); Braxton Burns (Soph., one-year, 201); Dylan Petrick (Sr., three-year, 196); Xzavier Gardener (Sr., three-year, 207); Owen Ferreri (Sr.); Ethan Glenn (Fr.).
Program history: Program is in its 24th season, with Anthony Vacanti making the last individual state appearance last season.
Petrick’s outlook: “We are excited about the addition of assistant coach Dawn Davis. She will be working with our JV teams to prepare them for the years to come. It will allow coach Rob Hawkins and I to focus on our varsity teams. We are looking forward to a great season with numerous returning athletes on our varsity teams.”
GREEN
Head coach: Phil Krumlauf
2023-24 record: 8-8 overall
Home center: Apollo 3 (formerly Turkeyfoot Lanes), Green
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Anthony Bordonaro (Sr., three-year, 217.6); Logan Kosmos (Sr., two-year, 173.4); Jason Bidinger (Soph., one-year, 158.7); Nate Kozlowski (Jr.); Robert Boley (Jr.); Robert Brooks (Jr.)
Program history: Program entering 19th season with four state appearances and one individual state appearance (Peyton Krumlauf, 2017)).
Krumlauf’s outlook: “We graduated four starters from last year. We’re not a young team, just somewhat inexperienced. Senior and first-team all-conference selection Anthony Bordonaro will anchor the team and look to build on a very successful career. Senior Logan Kosmos and sophomore Jason Bidinger both performed well in limited action last year and will step up into starters’ roles. Juniors Nate Kozłowski, Robert Brooks and Robert Boley will see significant playing time and play a major role in the team’s success.”
JACKSON
Head coach: Dustin Dingler (second season)
2023-24 record: 8-10 overall (4-8 conference)
Home center: Park Centre Lanes, North Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Alex Lovas (Sr., one-year, 186); Dominic Sheridan (Sr., one-year, 182); Jackson Langton (Sr., two-year, 185); Nick Langton (Jr., one-year, 179); Jasper Dingler (Soph., one-year, 181); Carter Rohr (Soph., 156); Caanan Oberhauser (Soph., 155); Caleb Russell (Fr.).
Program history: A Stark Conference charter member (23rd year), the boys team has made two state appearances, the last in 2016.
Dingler’s outlook: “We are looking forward to this season. We only lost one senior and return with a lot of depth that should transfer into experience on the lanes. Expectations are high, and we should be able to make a run at the conference and be competitive. We were blessed to have 20 young men come out for the team this year, which will solidify our future and allow us to coach up and develop for years to come. Our newly-formed booster club and continuous support from the school will allow us to continue to build our program and return to past excellence.”
LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN
Head coach: Lyle Misener (sixth season)
2023-24 record: 12-8 overall (4-4 conference)
Home center: Park Centre Lanes, North Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Zeke Conley (Jr., 188); Tristan Roberts (Jr., 163); Toby Burner (Jr., 157.5); Aaron Griffith (Soph., 121); Issac Moeynski (Soph., 135).
Program history: Sixth year for program.
Misener outlook: “This is a very young team with a little bit of varsity experience. But I think they’ve all grown a bit in just a few weeks of practice.”
LOUISVILLE
Head coach: Courtney Stallman (seven seasons)
2023-24 record: 4-4 (conference)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Trent Beard (Jr., one-year, 164); Landon Geisey (Sr., two-year, 203); Trevor Glaser (Jr., two-year, 165); Zachary Grosenbaugh (Sr., two year, 176); Jonathon Horn (Sr., three-year, 178).
Program history: Chase Barstow individual state runner-up, 2020-21; boys team state appearance 2020-21.
Stallman’s outlook: “This year, we have a strong senior presence that truly stands out. Their leadership and dedication has been inspiring and I’m confident that they will set a positive example for the younger athletes. Our upperclassmen boys have been working incredibly hard individually over the offseason, putting in the time and effort needed to improve. Their commitment is already showing and I believe it will translate into success on the lanes. Additionally, I am thrilled to announce that we have expanded our coaching staff this season. Having more coaches on board is going to be a game changer for us. Together, we are building a strong foundation for a successful season and I am eager to see what we can achieve.”
MARLINGTON
Head coach: Beth Schick (seven seasons)
2023-24 record: 2-18 overall (2-8 conference)
Home center: Christopher Columbus Lanes, Alliance
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Andrew Thomas (Sr., two-year, 167.42); Issac McIntyre (Jr., one-year, 142.84); Hunter Powers (Sr. three-year, 118.50); Owen Wright (Soph., 118.50); Colton Lane (Soph., 117); Connor Wines (Soph., 116)
Program history: Program is in its eighth season; Keegan Edwards was district qualifier in 2022-23
Schick’s outlook: “We have 18 boys representing the Dukes this season. We are a young team with only two seniors and five new gentlemen on the roster. We are looking for lots of growth this season from all bowlers. They are pushing themselves and one another fighting for the varsity positions. It should be a fun season of constant improvement.”
MINERVA
Head coach: Nick Embrogno (sixth season)
2023-24 record: 8-11
Home center: Minerva Bowl
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Landon Jones (?Sr., two-year, 166.24); Gage Elder (Sr., two-year, 165.94); Xander Mueller (Sr., one-year, 183.40); Owen Frazier (Jr., two-year, 193.25); Lane Hawk (Jr., two-year, 183.0); Kendrik Keister (Jr., one-year, 159.33); Parker Eckstein (Jr., two-year, 161.50); Austin Ailing (Fr.).
Program history: Entering program’s 23rd season; finished top four in River View Tournament last season.
Embrogno’s outlook: ”It’s going to be a great season with an older team with lots of experience.”
NORTH CANTON HOOVER
Head coach: Chris Simko (two seasons), Lewis Stansbury, Chad Wensel, Nichole Wells
2023-24 record: 16-0 (conference)
Home center: Park Centre Lanes, North Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Cole Hapstak (Sr., three-year, 205); Aiden Chetto (Soph.); Hendrick Livengood (Soph.)
Program history: State qualifiers 2023.
Wells’ outlook: “With an injection of youth coming to our roster, this year is about learning, fundamentals and development of our overall games.”
PERRY
Head coach: Mark Boron
2023-24 record: 6-6 (conference)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Eli Nave (Jr., 202); Carson Presuitti (Sr., 192); Dylon Parsons (Sr., one-year, 185); Gavin Hentzell (Jr., 185); Brandon Sanko (Jr., 185); Hayden Lambes (Sr., one-year, 180); JT Warth (Sr., one-year 185); Cameron Hervey (Sr.).
Boron’s outlook: “We are looking to establish a team concept and looking forward to a great season.”
SALEM
Head coach: Chris Sommers (first year)
2023-24 record: First-year program
Home center: Hunt Club Lanes, Salem
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Keegan Sommers; Connor Hippely; Luke Spielman; Vinnie Yannucci; Chase Prendergast; Donald Blackburn; Tanner James; Aiden Bell.
Program history: First-year program
Sommers outlook: “I would like to build a strong foundation for the inaugural Salem boys high school bowling team. We want to be competitive in each match and improve each session.”
GIRLS
CANTON CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Head coach: Bud Stebbins (13 seasons)
2023-24 record: 9-8 overall (5-3 conference)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Addie Guenther (Sr., one-year, 114); Jessica Jenkins (Jr., two-year, 160); Frances Pulaski (J., two-year, 143); Samantha Killea (Jr., 102); Sophia Natale (Soph., 83); Brandy Ramsey (Soph., 77).
Program history: Team state appears in 2022 for the 23-year-old program.
Stebbins’ outlook: “We have three lettermen returning and three second-year bowlers. We will need growth from every varsity bowler to compete to win our division and advance to districts. We have added an assistant coach which will help provide more instruction to all 16 girls on the teams. Unfortunately, we lost a couple of our higher average bowlers to other activities. This will provide opportunities to newer bowlers to learn the game and contribute to the team’s success. Our goal is to improve enough throughout the season to be competitive for postseason play.”
CANTON McKINLEY
Head coach: Kim Heaton
2023-24 record: 5-12 overall (3-9 conference)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Gabrielle Cary (Soph., 108.78); Kaylin Ladley (Sr., 109.47); Haleigh Leggett (Sr., three-year, 185.25); Ariana Parker (Sr., two-year, 124.65); Maria Wise (Sr., two-year, 166.83); Saige Lowe (Soph., 112.21).
Program history: State Division I team appearances in 2019, 2020; individual state qualifiers in Brooke Tucker and Hayleigh Leggett.
Heaton’s outlook: “With three returning starters and some good talent, we are hoping to finish in the top half of the Federal League this season. The girls have been working hard and improving every day.”
CANTON SOUTH
Head coach: Matthew Stemple (fifth season)
2023-24 record: 1-9 (conference)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Anna Cavill (Jr., 95); Cirene Minor (Sr., 97); Haily Franks (Jr., 117); Haydon Hooper (Soph., 132); Saige Daugherty (Soph.); Abby Ward (Soph.); Jasmine Warren (Fr.).
Program history: Program in 14th season with one state individual qualifier (Tori Gates 2016).
Stemple’s outlook: “It’s nice to have a better turnout for the girls team. They are ready to work as a team.”
CARROLLTON
Head coach: Wendy Russell (seventh season)
2023-24 record: 15-3 overall (7-2 in conference)
Home center: Atwood Lanes, Dellroy
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Hailee Ulman (Sr., three-year, 177); Kaylee Russell (Jr., three-year, 167); Ivy Slutz (Sr., one-year); Emma Brown (Jr., one-year); Sammy Bajornas (Jr.); Zara Bullock (Jr.).
Program history: State appearances in 2018-20, 21-24. Kaylee Russell won OHSAA girls state individual title in 2024; Cailyn Bright, OHSAA individual girls state title, 2021.
Russell’s outlook: “I’m looking forward to our 2024-25 season with a great group of girls. They have been working hard to be ready.”
GLENOAK
Head coach: Robert Hawkins (third season)
2023-24 record: 6-6 (conference)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Aurora Stergis (Sr., two-year, 151); Ella Clapper (Jr., two-year, 153); Isabella Needing (Sr., two-year, 155); Kaidence Jackson (Sr., one-year, 146); Daisy Theodore (Jr., 158); Rylee Abbuhl (Fr.); Kairi Chech (Soph.).
Program history: Program enters its 24th season, with Rachel Young being the last state qualifier in 2021 individually.
Hawkins’ outlook: “We are excited about the addition of assistant coach Dawn Davis. She will be working with our JV teams to prepare them for the years to come. It will allow our head coachesI to focus on our varsity teams. We are looking forward to a great season with numerous returning athletes on our varsity teams.”
JACKSON
Head coach: Bill Dunn (second season)
2023-24 record: 4-14 overall
Home center: Park Centre Lanes, North Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Gwyn Blythe (Jr., 102.75); Angela (Neo) Zhang (Sr., 105.71); Madison Stevens (Jr.); Ariana Morris (Jr., two-year, 153.72); Inessa Muselyan (Sr., three-year, 152.26); Rylee Dunn (Jr., two-year, 194.41).
Program history: Program entering 23rd season, making state appearances in 2009, 2011-12, 2013-14, 2016. Individual state appearances from Hannah Suter (2015) and Kailey Bonniwell (2017-1018).
Dunn outlook: “As a second-year coach, I am looking to build on what was started last year and hope to see some improvement in the returning girls. We do have a few new girls who have joined and we are looking forward to working with them so they can be an integral part of our team for the next few years. Ultimately, we have two returning seniors and one new senior on the team. We are really looking to make this season enjoyable and fun. After all, this is a game and was meant to have fun with it.”
LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN
Head coach: Lyle Misener (sixth season(
2023-24 record: 7-15 overall (1-7 conference)
Home center: Park Centre Lanes, North Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Autumn Griffith (Sr., 131); Riley Green (Jr., 120); Bethany Herman (Jr., 111); Charley Collins (Jr., 110); Izzie Liechty (Sr., 113).
Program history: Program is. In its sixth season.
Misener’s outlook: “These girls have the most fun out of any girls team I have coached. They will lead the conference in smiles and laughter.
LOUISVILLE
Head coach: Courtney Stallman (seven seasons)
2023-24 record: 5-3 (conference)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Amanda Dejacimo (Soph., one-year, 98); Estrella Lopez-Cruz (Sr., three-year, 150); Audrey Miculan (Sr., one-year, 147); Abigail Wenger (Sr., two-year, 147).
Stallman’s outlook: “This year we have a very eager and hardworking girls team. The eagerness to learn and improve that I see in each athlete is truly inspiring. Their passion for the game and commitment to growth will undoubtedly drive our success this season. Our upperclassmen have helped us build a strong team foundation over the past few years, and I am proud of the camaraderie and support the girls show one another. This unity will be crucial as we face the challenges ahead, and I believe it will foster a positive and competitive environment. Additionally, I am thrilled to announce that we have expanded our coaching staff this season. Having more coaches on board is going to be a game changer for us. Together, we are building a strong foundation for a successful season, and I am eager to see what we can achieve as a team!”
MARLINGTON
Head coach: Beth Schick (seven seasons)
2023-24 record: 7-14 overall (4-6 conference)
Home center: Christopher Columbus Lanes, Alliance
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Cora Wines (Sr., three-year, 155.49); Karlaysia WestCole (Sr., three-year, 138.44); Christina Pate (Sr., two-year, 119.57); Megan Kerr (Sr., one-year, 118); Xena Shoemaker (Sr., three-year, 111.89); Laney Cross (Jr., two-year, 106.15); Annabelle Feller (Jr., two-year, 101.50); Elizabeth Blackman (Jr., two-year, 104.67).
Program history: Individual district appearances for Alex Lemaster and Mikayla Robinson in 2019.
Schick’s outlook: “This year, our ladies are looking pretty strong, being led by five seniors returning to the team. We have 15 girls total with four new freshman joining. I am looking for some positive leadership from our upperclassmen and lots of growth. I am hoping for some competitiveness to push our girls to new levels among themselves. We have a lot of potential for big success this season.”
MINERVA
Head coach: Dana Keister (17th season)
2023-24 record: 18-1 overall
Home center: Minerva Bowl, Minerva
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Jadynn Thompson (Sr., three-year, 189.50); Isabelle Genet (Sr., two-year, 176.43); Kayla Henderhan (Sr., three-year, 181.12); Lillian Kugler (Sr., one-year, 145.44); Bailey Wood (Jr., two-year, 164.89); Rylan Klitz (Soph., one-year, 140.79); Ruby Hymes (Soph.); Alexis Gonzalez (Soph.).
Program history: Took first in Dover Invitational and Tuscarawas Catholic Central Classic and Black Bear Invitational in 2023-24.
Keister’s outlook: “This should be a great season. Coachability and attitudes are amazing, and all the girls lift each other up.”
NORTH CANTON HOOVER
Head coach: Alicia Yacono, Nichole Wells
2023-24 record: 4-8 (conference)
Home center: Park Centre Lanes, North Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Carys Eynon (Jr., two-year, 165); Ashley Allen (Sr., two-year, 140); Kairi LePelley (Sr., two-year, 138); Lana Diehl (Jr. one-year, 149).
Wells’ outlook: “With a strong group of returnees, I’m optimistic for the potential growth and success of this team this season.
PERRY
Head coach: Joe Altimore III (14h season)
2023-24 record: 14-1 overall (11-1 conference)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Kiele Poling (Sr., 192.72); Avery Wilt (Sr., 161.19); Jenna Boyer (Sr., 173.12); Arielle Clapper (Jr., 183.68); Alex DeVore (Jr., 158.21); Alexis Reeves (Soph.); Izzy Miller (Soph.); Zari Intangata (Soph.); Bella (Niko) Woods (Soph.).
Program history: Twelve trips to state tourney in program’s 23-year history, including last eight straight.
Altimore’s outlook: “Win state.”
SALEM
Head coach: Todd Spielman (first year)
2023-24 record: First-year program.
Home center: Hunt Club Lanes, Salem
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Brooklyn Herold (Jr., transfer from United Local); Kylie Smith (Soph.); Meredith Powell (Soph.); Sophia Barr (Soph.); Danaka Donnelley (Soph.)
Program history: First year
Spielman’s outlook: “I would like to build a foundation for a solid program and be competitive. This is our first year as a program and we are hoping to improve each match this season.”
OTHER SCHOOLS
BOYS
CONOTTON VALLEY
Head coach: Korey Herron (first year)
2023-24 record: 15-5; took fourth in OVAC Championships, fourth in Eastern sectional and second in OHSAA district.
Home center: Rocket Center, Bowerston
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Vincent Annibaldi (Soph., 101.29); Ethan Booth (Soph., 117.76); Brady Brown (Jr., one-year, 138.39); Jaxson Eberhardt (Soph); Andrew Herron (Jr., one-year, 145.00); Joseph Warner (Jr., one-year, 133.66); Max Annibaldi (Fr.,); Michael Lorello (Fr.).
Program history: Third in OHSAA Division II state tournament (2023); state qualifier in 2024 (14th place).
Herron’s outlook: “I’m very excited for this season. It’s my first year as head coach and being able to share my knowledge with the kids. I’m excited to watch them learn and grow into becoming the best bowlers they can be. They are learning to bowl as a team and for themselves. Most importantly, I’m excited for them to enjoy the game, have fun and take on the season as it comes. I want them to learn from each practice and each match.”
EAST CANTON
Head coach: Todd Thomas (sixth season)
2023-24 record: 3-15 overall (3-11 Inter-Valley Conference)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Braylon Jute (Jr., one-year, 164.93); Hunter Spencer (Jr., two-year, 156.64; Tim Buehler (Jr., one-year, 139.11); Phil Isum (Soph., 140.19); Colton Stanojevic (Jr., 136.4); Owen Snyder (Jr., 127.52); Dylan Lint (Fr.).
Program history: Program entering 23rd year. Individual state appearance for Bryce Beadnell in 2022.
Thomas’ outlook: “I am very optimistic about this season. Our three returning lettermen, combined with freshmen who have previous bowling experience, could make for an exciting year. Early indications are that this year’s team has a lot of talent, and a desire to improve. I expect significant improvements over recent years. This team should be competitive in the IVC and might surprise some people during our in-season tournaments. If they continue to work hard, and improve their spare shooting, they can be competitive come time for the sectional and district tournaments.”
GIRLS
CONOTTON VALLEY
Head coach: Brian Baxter (six seasons), Robyn King
2023-24 record: 20-0 (Inter-Valley Conference)
Home center: Rocket Center, Bowerston
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Mylie Galigher (Sr., three-year, 190.31); Lilly Booth (Jr., one-year, 140.16); Taylor Campbell (Soph., 120.78); Ariel Dingman (Soph., 128.11); Brooklyn Davis (Fr.), Madelyn Case (Fr.); Ashlynn Hammond (Jr.).
Program history: 2023 OHSAA Division II state champions; 2024 state qualifier, finishing 11th; Daphne Stuber, second-team All-Ohio in 2022.
Baxter’s outlook: “We are looking forward to another successful season. This will be a rebuilding year for us with only two varsity returnees but seven new bowlers. We have strong leadership and lots of potential.”
EAST CANTON
Head coach: Matt Lint (second season)
2023-24 record: 14-3 overall (11-2 Inter-Valley Conference)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2023-24 average, if available): Madison Lint (Jr., two-year, 178.58); Logan McDonald (Jr., two-year, 171.55); Taylor Howard (Sr., 141.44); Tana Alspaugh (Jr. 138.60); Abygail Bailey (Jr., 105); Katie Buehler (Soph., 94); Daisy Becker (Jr., 120.93).
Program history: Entering its 23rd year as a program. Individual state appearances from Erika Witter (2020) and Jennifer Crawford (2003).
Lint’s outlook: “We are excited to have two All-IVC team bowlers returning in Madison Lint and Logan McDonald. These two will be the leaders of a new varsity team after the loss of five members of last year’s OHSAA district qualifying team. One newcomer to varsity will be our lone senior in Taylor Howard, who had some impressive games last year. Another newcomer with valuable experience on the varsity is Tana Alspaugh. Rounding out the team will be Daisy Baker, Katie Buehler and Abygail Bailey. Despite losing so many of last year’s varsity team, we are confident in our team that will be competing for the IVC title. Garaway and Conotton Valley are the the two IVC teams the we feel stand in our way for the title this season.”