St. Charles East junior boys bowler Dean Mudlong lends the Saints his talent whenever the team competes. It turns out he also is a prolific chant brainstormer, however, boosting his value to a deep team even more. Mudlong, who was part of East’s third-place state finisher last season, recently discussed those matters and more with Kane County Chronicle sports editor Kevin Druley. Here’s an edited transcript of their conversation in the latest edition of the Weekend Chit-chat:
You guys only have been at it for a few weeks, but what is the outlook at this juncture in the season?
I think we’re off to a really good start. I mean, everyone has shown improvement. Things can always improve. But … closing frames is our motto here. If you keep closing frames, you’re going to make it. You’re going to do well this season.
Does chanting after strikes or other points keep you all in it?
Yeah, definitely. Keeping our energy up helps us stay positive. Allows us to do what we need to do.
How often do you encounter teams that aren’t as peppy as the Saints?
Even if they are a little more quiet, we are still extremely loud. Obnoxious, even. That’s kind of how our team is. … It’s always something we look forward to after school. Coming here, enjoying being around people that we enjoy being with and cheering them, it helps everyone’s energy.
Does the season ever seem like it flies by?
This season, not so much. I think this season is kind of more of a grind and just getting through things.
How much do you talk shop with your brother [Aaron, a bowler at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo.] about the college bowling life?
A lot. I mean, I know his coaches are looking at me for coming down there, but nothing too serious yet. … He said the only difference (from high school) is traveling. Otherwise, it’s just bowling with a team like normal.