By Katelyn Winkler
Special to the Review
As the Lake Orion Dragons entered their bowling season with their first practice on November 12th, Coach Kevin Crowther expected upcoming greatness from the returning members, along with the team’s newcomers.
Last season, the varsity boys bowling team missed their chance to attend the State finals tournament by three pins, while the girls qualified and finished tying fifth in the state after a loss to Walled Lake Central.
Individually, four boys and two girls qualified for state individual play.
‘A couple of our girls qualified for states but didn’t make it past the qualification block,? Crowther said. ‘Four of our boys were sent to the state singles tournament where Kevin Yang finished second in the state. We had an overall successful season for our program.?
The boys? team lacked experience, compared to the girls, due to the number of graduates last season. The boys team has three returning varsity leaders, Matthew Marcetti, Joshua Baryla, and Wesley Brumitt.
Crowther said there is plenty of talent among the new bowling members.
‘Our boy’s team is going to be pretty inexperienced but there is definitely a good amount of talent on the team and it’s just a matter of reaching their full amount of potential,? Crowther said. ‘These boys could individually have very good years if we get some of the younger members to step up and contribute. There is no reason why this year can’t be one of the most successful years that we’ve had.?
While the boys are starting fresh with their new varsity members, the bowling ladies start their season with five returning leaders: Rebecca Mix, Alicia Babicz, Kendra Stankiewicz, Courtney Keisman, and Courtney LaBlanc.
‘For the girls, this is probably, from top to bottom, the best team we’ve had and we’ve had a lot of success these last two years,? Crowther said.
With eight returning bowlers and Crowther, Bill George, Dennis O’Neill, and Kevin Hohf as their coaches, the team has a bright outlook and will keep focused at the state title at the end of the season.