By BILL SNIER
CANTON — The Louisville boys earned their first conference tournament title while the Perry girls started where they left off a year ago as the Stark County High School Bowling Conference kicked off its 2025-26 season with its 10th annual SCHSBC “Early Bird” tournament Saturday at Eastbury Bowling Center.
A field of 15 boys and 15 girls teams competed in the annual event, which included just one (East Canton) nonconference team. Perry did have both of its junior varsity squads in the field.
Bowlers competed on the 2025-26 OHSAA sectional-district oil pattern, which was released late last week.
The qualifying round for all teams included two regular team games and eight Baker System games, with the top eight in each division advancing to the championship round. The championship round, with matches determined by seed, included two rounds of best-of-three Baker match play before the final match became best-of-five.
LEOPARDS TOP BOYS
The boys division title match, between No, 4 seed Louisville and No. 6 seed North Canton Hoover, came down to Game 5, with the Leopards earning a 153-130 win to take the title. After dropping their first two games on the right lane (Lanes 9-10), Louisville solved that lane in Game 5 for the win.
During qualifying Owen Emerick led the Leopards with a 368 series, followed by David Huff (332) and Trent Beard (301). First-year varsity player Will Rice led the Vikings with a 409 (second overall), followed by Austin Tomajko (375), Hendick Livengood (366) and Brady Leisure (335).
Triway’s Davin Merkle led the boys field with a 447 series, followed by Rice, Lake’s Josh Trent and East Canton’s Brayton Jute (405) and Jackson’s Nick Langton (382), all making the all-tournament team.
Perry was the qualifying leader with 3,161 total pinfall, finishing 12 pins ahead of Triway. The Panthers fell to Jackson 2-0 in the opening round of match play while Triway was stopped by Hoover 2-1 in the semifinals
PANTHERS EARN WIN
Perry, which finished as the OHSAA Division I state runner-up a year ago, was the girls qualifying leader with 2,943, finishing 428 pins ahead of runner-up Jackson.
Senior Arielle Clapper led the Panthers with a 415 series, followed by the Panthers’ Zari Intangata with 355. Others in the top five included East Canton seniors Madison Lint (347) and Logan McDonald (340) and Jackson senior Rylee Dunn (340) — all making the all-tourney
team.
The Panthers swept by Jackson 3-0 in the title match to claim the win. Perry did not lose a game during match play.
The Polar Bears advanced to the finals with a 2-1 win over defending Inter-Valley Conference co-champion East Canton, winning Game 3 193-133.
Along with Clapper and Intangata, Alex Devore also had 334 for the Panthers. Arianna Morris backed up Dunn for the Polar Bears with 322.
Perry also captured the conference award for the highest combined score for both the boys and girls teams, finishing with 6,104. During the event, boys and girls teams crossed together on the same pairs of lanes.
The 2025-26 season officially kicked off Monday with several matches.
See complete tournament results below:
HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW
Below is our annual high school bowling preview. Only information provided by coaches who returned questionnaires to www.snieronbowling.com is included in the season preview. Other schools may be added in the future as more questionnaires are returned. Questionnaires still can be submitted to snierw@gmail.com or to acquire one, call or text to (330) 280-7504:
STARK COUNTY CONFERENCE BOYS
CANTON CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Head coach: Jonny Marchand (first year)
2024-25 record: 1-10 (SCHSBC), 1-16 (overall)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Dylan Bourquin (Sr., one-year, 120k); Nathan Anderson (Sr., two-year, 156); Spencer Montgomery (Sr.); Janet Tregueros (Soph., 67); Serena Jessup (Soph.); Christian Mulligan (Fr.).
Coach’s outlook: “We will have a challenging season as we have only two boys returning, two new bowlers and we’ve brought in two girls to be able to field a team. We will work hard to develop the new bowlers and have our returning bowlers improve. We have two main goals for the season: 1, Each bowler is a better bowler at the end of the season than at the beginning; and 2, each bowler enjoys the sport enough to keep bowling next year.” — Jonny Marchand
CANTON McKINLEY
Head coach: Kim Heaton (14 years)
2024-25 record: 6-6 (SCHSBC)
Home center: Strike Zone Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Abraham Graham (Soph., 132.65); Nickolas Halm (Sr., three-year, 180.18); Robert Kabak (Soph., 112.31); Angelo Mills (Sr., 155.57); Austin Robinson (Sr., 149.88); Cayden Wilson (Sr., 131.38); Raymond Osborne (Soph, one-year, 187.41).
Program history: Last state appearance in 2022, when finished eighth in state in Division I.
Coach’s outlook: “After graduating 11 seniors last year, this is definitely going to be a rebuilding year for us. Out of our seven-man roster, two of the players have v varsity experience. We are taking each day learning the game and improving as we go. Nickolas Halm (Big Nick Energy) will be our captain-leader, followed by our sophomore Raymond Osborne. These kids are coachable and putting in a lot of work. The start of the season may be a little rough. But by the end, I’m hoping for good results.” — Kim Heaton
GLENOAK
Head coach: Jossett Petrick (4 years)
2024-25 record: 2-10 (SCHSBC), 5-11 (overall)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Braxton Burns (Jr., two-year, 205); Carter Bond (Sr.); Cole Montgomery-Maher (Jr., 151); Corbin Nestor (Sr., 145); Ethan Glenn (Soph, one-year, 166); Jordan Ritchey (Sr.); Merrick Murwane (Soph, one-year, 155).
Program history: Anthony Vacanti was a 2024 state qualifier.
Coach’s outlook: “Both teams are in a rebuilding phase after graduating numerous seniors last year. We look forward to watching the growth and improvement of our new bowlers joining the varsity. Our returning bowlers are strong and have embraced their new teammates, helping them to understand the game.” — Jossett Petrick
GREEN
Head coach: Phil Krumlauf
2024-25 record: 7-5 (SCHSBC), 11-5 (overall)
Home center: Apollo 3 Lanes, Green
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Jason Bidinger (Jr., two-year, 201.9); Nate Kozlowski (Sr., one-year, 182.4); Robert Brooks (Sr., one-year, 166.5); Joseph Fazek (Soph, one-year, 178.4); Robert Boley (Sr., one-year, 166.9); Hunter Kosmos (Jr.).
Program history: Four-time state team qualifiers in 19 years of program
Coach’s outlook: “We are looking to build on last year’s success. With three returning starters, led by junior Jason Bidinger, a two-year letterman and second-team All-Federal League player who will serve as the team’s anchor. Sophomore Joe Fazek, probably our best spare shooter will bowl leadoff. Senior Nate Kozlowski provides a reliable presence in the middle of the lineup. Seniors Robert Brooks and Robert Boley and junior Hunter Kozmos will see significant playing time and play major roles in the team’s success. We have the talent to contend for a Federal League title, but it will come down to our spare shooting and execution.” — Phil Krumlauf
JACKSON
Head coach: Dustin Dingler (3 years)
2024-25 record: 6-6 (SCHSBC), 10-6 (overall)
Home center: Park Centre Lanes, North Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Jasper Dingler (Jr., two-year, 193); Nick Langton (Sr., two-year, 195); Caleb Russell (Soph., one-year, 190); Larry Mackey III (Sr., 167); Tyson Gamble (Sr., 167); Carter Rohr (Jr., one-year, 183).
Program history: Alex Lovas was a state Division I qualifier last season.
Coach’s outlook: “This season our goal is to advance in the OHSAA Tournament and, of course, states. We have four returning lettermen and three seniors. This year’s roster will look a bit different after graduating three starters last season. The team will utilize the schedule and bowl as many tournaments as possible to prepare us for the postseason. We will look to two-year lettermen Jasper Dingler and Nick Langdon to lead the way with sophomore Caleb Russell continuing to climb the ranks. Coach (Gary) Liber will continue to develop the JV team for the future success of our program.” — Dustin Dingler
LOUISVILLE
Head coach: Courtney Stallman (8 years)
2024-25 record: 7-3 (SCHSBC), 12-5 (overall)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Trevor Glaser (Sr., three-year, 193); Trent Beard (Sr., two-year, 177); David Huff (Sr., one-year, 175); Owen Emerick (Soph., one-year, 191).
Program history: State team qualifiers in 2021, state individual runner-up Chase Barstow 2021
Coach’s outlook: “We have a very strong senior class that brings a lot of experience and leadership to make for another successful season.” — Courtney Stallman
MARLINGTON
Head coach: Beth Schick (8 years)
2024-25 record: 2-8 (SCHSBC), 2-20 (overall)
Home center: Christopher Columbus Lanes, Alliance
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Colton Lane (Jr., 164.27); Owen Wright (Jr., 142.43); Issac McIntyre (Sr., 136.11); Connor Wines (Jr., 122.06); Isaak Stormer (Jr., 11.67); Jacob Dean (Sr., 103.25); Cole Irwin (Jr., 102.5); Cason Gowen (Fr.); Mylan Thomas (Fr.).
Coach’s outlook: “We have 21 boys on this year’s team. We have a large number of returning letterwinners and a while lot of eager and talented freshmen ready to show what they can do on the lanes this season. We are very optimistic and excited for what these boys will do.” — Beth Schick
MASSILLON
Head coach: Derrick Mayle (2 years)
2024-25 record: 6-4 (SCHSBC)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Frank Bauer (Sr., one-year, 178.25); Kayden Kohl (Sr., three-year, 172.39).
Coach’s outlook: “We have two returning lettermen who were strong bowlers for us last year. We are excited to have a number of new and young bowlers to mold and keep the program strong moving forward.” — Derrick Mayle
MINERVA
Head coach: Nick Embrogno (7 years)
2024-25 record: 8-2 (SCHSBC), 6-2 (Eastern Buckeye Conference), 16-4 (overall)
Home center: Minerva Bowl, Minerva
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Lane Hawk (Sr., three-year, 187.61); Parker Eckstein (Sr., three-year, 172.23); Owen Frazier (Sr., two-year, 209.85); Kendrick Keister (Sr., two-year, 194.22); Mason Arnoto (Sr.); Austin Ailing (Soph., one-year, 186.55); Mason Horton (Fr.)
Coach’s outlook: “It is going to be a great season. We are coming off a new record, with a 2,025 high team individual game of 1,229. We are also excited to welcome back four seniors and one sophomore this year as well. We are excited to see what the year brings.” — Nick Embrogno
NORTH CANTON HOOVER
Head coach: Nicole Wells (3 years), Chris Simko (3 years)
2024-25 record: 2-10 (SCHSBC), 4-12 (overall)
Home center: Park Centre Lanes, North Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Hendrick Livengood (Jr., two-year, 208,.50); Aiden Chetto (Jr., two-year, 194.25); Brady Leisure (Soph., one-year, 175.90); Tristan Sundry (Soph., one-year, 134.50); Will Rice (Soph.); Austin Tomajko (Jr.).
Coach’s outlook: “Building on the youthfulness and lessons learned last season and turning that into success, fun and wins this season is our goal.” — Nicole Wells
PERRY
Head coach: Mark Boron (2 years)
2024-25 record: 11-1 (SCHSBC)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Eli Nave (Sr., three-year, 213); Brandon Sanko (Sr., three-year, 204); Gavin Hentzell (Sr., three-year, 193); Aiden Hentzell (Sr., three-year, 193)
Program history: Nave returns after qualifying for state in Division I a year ago.
Coach’s outlook: “We’re looking forward to another great year.” — Mark Boron
SALEM
Head coach: Chris Sommers (2 years)
2024-25 record: 9-5 (SCHSBC)
Home center: Hunt Club Lanes, Salem
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Luke Spielman (Sr., one-year, 154); Vinnie Yannucci (Sr., one-year, 185); Donald Blackburn (Sr., one-year, 178); Gabe Leek; Caden Arcuri; Chase Wilhelm; Henry Madison.
Coach’s outlook: “I am really excited to continue coaching this young team in only its second year for having the program. We hope to continue being competitive, continue learning, growing as a team and enjoying the experience.” — Chris Sommers
STARK COUNTY CONFERENCE GIRLS
CANTON CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Head coach: Bud Stebbins (14th year)
2024-25 record: 7-3 (SCHSBC), 12-5 (overall)
Home center: AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Jessica Jenkins (Sr., three-year, 158); Frances Pulaski (Sr., three-year, 154); Sophia Natale (Jr., one-year, 128); Jacklin Short (Soph., one-year, 123); Samantha Killea (Jr., one-year, 130).
Program history: Made first state team appearance in 2022; Frances Pulaski made individual state appearance last season.
Coach’s outlook: “We have five returning varsity bowlers and a few promising bowlers moving on to the varsity team. We should be competitive in our division and looking for good performances in the postseason. We have two seniors who have the potential to lead the team and carry respectable averages. Both seniors, Jessica and Frances, qualified for districts last season. We need to improve our spare shooting to compete against the teams in our division and advance in sectionals.” — Bud Stebbins
CANTON McKINLEY
Head coach: Kim Heaton (14 years)
2024-25 record: 5-7 (SCHSBC)
Home center: Strike Zone Lanes, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Karla Carreto-Diaz (Sr.); Alyssa Mayle (Jr., 112); Mackenzie Reeves (Sr., 103.54); Cassava Shackling (Jr., 107.21); Destiny Vogt (Soph., 108.29).
Program history: Had back to back state Division I appearances in 2020 and 2021.
Coach’s outlook: “We graduated the whole varsity team last year, so this year is definitely going to be a rebuilding year for us. These ladies have worked hard all summer. Every day is a learning experience. But I do think we are going to be competitive. Our goal for this year is not about the wins and losses; it’s about preparing ourselves for the postseason.” — Kim Heaton
GLENOAK
Head coach: Rob Hawkins (4 years)
2024-25 record: 7-5 (SCHSBC), 10-6 (overall)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Angel Cordia (Fr.); Gianna Wurgler (Soph.); K-Lyanna Tassile (Sr., 92); Mikayla Tucker (Fr.); Payton Ailes (Soph., 80); Rylee Abbuhl (Soph., one-year, 168).
Program history: Rachel Young was last individual state qualifier in 2021.
Coach’s outlook: “Both teams are in a rebuilding phase after graduating numerous seniors last year. We look forward to watching the growth and improvement of our new bowlers joining the varsity.” — Rob Hawkins
JACKSON
Head coach: Bill Dunn (3 years)
2024-25 record: 2-10 (SCHSBC)
Home center: Park Centre Lanes, North Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Rylee Dunn (Sr., three-year, 189); Arianna Morris (Sr., three-year, 157); Madison Stevens (Sr., one-year, 105); Gwen Blythe (Sr., one-year, 120); Clare Batdorf (Jr., one-year, 123); Allyson Thornton, one-year, 119).
Coach’s outlook: “I’m really looking forward to this season with our core group of girls coming back being a plus. But also we have a very strong group of freshmen doing in … girls that already have their own equipment and have some of the fundamentals down so it gives us a jump on the season. We can just work with them on improving on what they already know. I think the future is bright.” — Bill Dunn
LOUISVILLE
Head coach: Courtney Stallman (8 years)
2024-25 record: 10-0 (SCHSBC), 14-3 (overall)
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Paige Beard (Soph., one-year, 163); Amanda Dejacimo (Jr., two-year, 140); Alyssa Lirgg (Jr., one-year, 12); Kylie Yarnell (Jr., 105); Zoey Horvath (Jr., 118).
Coach’s outlook: “We have some strong returnees bringing experience and leadership, but also a large group of freshmen (five) to make our future bright.” — Courtney Stallman
MARLINGTON
Head coach: Beth Schick (8 years)
2024-25 record: 5-5 (SCHSBC), 10-12 (overall)
Home center: Christopher Columbus Lanes, Alliance
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Elisabeth Blasiman (Sr., 110.25); Laney Cross (Sr., 117.15); Brianna Westberry (Soph., 104); Mia Vigliotti (Sr.); Jaylee Shank (Sr.,); Isabella Coen (Soph.); Harper Hill (Soph.); Kat Kungle (Soph.).
Coach’s outlook: “We lost six seniors to graduation. We have a lot of new girls giving the sport a try for the first time. We are a young team rebuilding this year, but I can see a lot of potential within them. I am looking forward to seeing their growth through the upcoming season.” — Beth Schick
NORTH CANTON HOOVER
Head coaches: Nicole Wells (third year), Alicia Yacono (third year)
2024-25 record: 4-8 (SCHSBC), 6-10 (overall)
Home center: Park Centre Lanes, North Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Carys Eynon (Sr., four year, 172.73); Lana Diehl (Sr., three-year, 156.09); Mila Grisak (Sr., two-year, 133.44); Lauren Clark (Sr., one-year); Billie Marrero (Sr., one-year)
Coach’s outlook: “This team is led by a group of talented seniors with leadership and experience that will be key to our success. Their chemistry and dedication set the foundation for a fun and exciting year.” — Nicole Wells
SALEM
Head coach: Todd Spielman (2 years)
2024-25 record: 2-7 (SCHSBC)
Home center: Hunt Club Lanes, Salem
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Nora Shean (Fr.); Kelsey Herold (Soph.); Kylie Smith (Jr., one-year, 173); Meredith Powell (Jr., one-year, 73); Danaka Donnelly (Jr., one-year, 73); Brooklyn Herold (Sr., one-year, 167); Makayla Marcum (Sr., one-year, 72).
Coach’s outlook: “We look to improve on our wins and losses in our second year of the program. We want to be competitive in every match and improve each week. We want to continue to reach our goals, both individually and as a team.” — Todd Spielman
INTER-VALLEY CONFERENCE BOYS
EAST CANTON
Head coach: Todd Thomas (7 years)
2024-25 record: 12-4 (IVC), 12-6 (overall)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Dylan Lint (Soph., one-year, 195.78); Kenny Ford (Soph., one-year, 178.75); Hunter Spencer (Sr., three-year, 166.81); Braylon Jute (Sr., two-year, 173.92); Tim Buehler (Sr., two-year, 179.71); Phil Isum (Jr., one-year, 158.45); Ryan Buehler (Fr.).
Program history: Bryce Beadnell made program’s last individual state appearance in 2022.
Coach’s outlook: “We have six returning lettermen from last year’s team. I have seen signs of improvement already this year. There are several other players who have potential, but they have not been consistent enough to consider for varsity at this time. If this team continues to improve their spare conversions, I have high expectations for some very good results this year. I expect this team to contend for the IVC championship and make a deep run into the postseason tournaments.” — Todd Thomas
SANDY VALLEY
Head coach: Ryan White (first season)
2024-25 record: 3-13 (IVC), 3-15 (overall)
Home center: Thunder in the Alley, Magnolia
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Noah Blanton (Jr., two-year, 104); Noah Coy (Soph.); Noah Kline (Jr.); Corey Miller (Soph. one-year, 123); Lucas Moriconi (Fr.); Cloud Olander (Jr., one-year, 115); Hal Piatt (Sr., two-year); Mason Prosperi (Fr.); Jace Seiner (Jr., two-year, 137); Ashton Wilson (Fr.).
Coach’s outlook: “We have quite a few new faces on the team this year, and we’ll rely on our returning lettermen to set the tone for commitment, teamwork and ownership of their games. This season will focus on the process — refining fundamentals, building consistency and developing confidence. With the loss of several top bowlers from last year, our emphasis will be on growth and improvement each week. We aim to string a balance between healthy competition and having fun, while fostering camaraderie and pride in representing our team.” — Ryan White
INTER-VALLEY CONFERENCE GIRLS
EAST CANTON
Head coaches: Craig Linerode, Matt Lint
2024-25 record: 15-1 (IVC), 17-1 (overall)
Home center: Eastbury Bowling Center, Canton
Varsity roster (year, letters, 2024-25 average, if available): Madison Lint (Sr., three-year, 186); Logan McDonald (Sr., three-year, 170.34); Tana Alspaugh (Sr., one-year, 143.86); Abygail Bailey (Sr., one-year, 136.75); Katie Buehler (Soph., one-year, 115.77); Zoey Williams (Jr., 118.92); Madden O’Brien (Jr., 102.1).
Program history: Madison Lint earned a state berth in 2025, the first since Erika Witter in 2020.
Coach’s outlook: “The Lady Hornets enter the new season with confidence experience and unfinished business. After earning a share of the IVC Championship last season, the Hornets have made it clear they do not intend to split the title again and want to go undefeated. With a determined roster led by four seniors, expectations are high as the team prepares to roll into conference play. Leading the returning talent is Madison Lint, who dominated the conference last season as its bowler of the year. She also finished 17th at the OHSAA Division II state championships. She will once again anchor the lineup and set the tone for the team’s competitive mindset. Supporting Madison is a strong cast of veterans, including Logan McDonald, who was first-team All-IVC and Tana Alspaugh, who earned second team All-IVC. Both McDonald and Alspaugh have shown in preparation for this season improvement that will only elevate the team to new heights. With four seniors leading the squad, the team enters the season among the most experienced groups in the conference. Their leadership — combined with the hunger to finish atop the standings alone — gives the Lady Hornets a clear identity: focused, seasoned and driven.” — Craig Linerode