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BOYS
Geneva
Coach: Jordan Zimberoff
Top returners: Andrew Voigt, jr.; Gabe Heinz-Cuevas, jr; Joey Fedora, jr.
Outlook: Geneva is expecting to have a smaller roster due to graduations of seniors from last year and more. Voigt is expected to be the Vikings’ top bowler and will be followed by primarily juniors.
“I think it will be a rebuilding year as these young men learn to compete at the varsity level. Hopefully, they will earn some valuable experience and begin to compete at a high level,” Zimberoff said.
Kaneland
Coach: Ashley Paoli
Top Returners: None, as this is the program’s first season.
Outlook: Kaneland’s season is intriguing, given this is the program’s first-ever season. Paoli says students and parents have been “nothing but supportive, flexible and understanding since day one,” which bodes as a good sign for a positive program launch.
“I am confident as a coach in the guys and the goals they’ve set for themselves for this season,” Paoli said. “Although our schedule may not be as filled as we’d like, our thirst for competition has been overflowing from the students.”
St. Charles East
Coach: Steven Dessauer
Top Returners: Edgar Burgos, jr; Connor Johnson, jr; Nate Greco, jr; Ed Nawrocki, sr.
Outlook: The Saints are coming off a historic season after winning the state championship as a team. East graduated some top senior contributors in Tyler Johnson and Edward Burgos, but also return one of the state’s top bowlers in Edgar Burgos for another year. While there is no state series this year, East could expect to be back in the mix as a top tier team.
“After winning state and graduating seniors we are once again a young team. Our top bowlers have the talent and experience but we are looking for a few of our younger athletes to make that big step forward this year,” Dessauer said.
St. Charles North
Coach: Michelle Cook
Top returners: Zach Mundt sr.; Carson Walters, sr.; Matt Anderson, sr.
Outlook: The North Stars will be returning four individuals from last year’s team, three of whom are four-year bowlers at the varsity level. Junior Luke Szady will also return on varsity and be joined by senior Ronnie Gorka.
“I’m very happy we are able to compete this year, as this group of seniors has been with me since I took over the varsity coaching position. They are a very special group and we have enjoyed some great successes over the four years,” Cook said.
GIRLS
Geneva
Coach: Lisa Meister
Top returners: None
Outlook: The Vikings will be interesting to track this season, as they have no returning players due to graduation or moving. It definitely appears new talents will have to emerge for the team this year.
“We are excited to have new, eager student athletes who are ready to learn a new sport and hope to take advantage of this building year where the girls get the foundations down and choose to stick with it for next year,” Meister said.
Kaneland
Coach: Beth Trafton
Top Returners: Anastasia Workman, sr.; Ella Edwards, sr.; Corinne Gatewood, jr.
Outlook: The Knights appear well-positioned for a strong season. Workman and Edwards likely figure to be towards the top of the list for production, but Kaneland also welcomes back senior Emma Fiedler, who missed last season with an injury.
“Practices have been great, with all returning players throwing the ball well and working on their games. The team is ready to compete and looks forward to enjoying the time together during this short season,” Trafton said.
St. Charles East
Coach: Tom Cole
Top Returners: Lida Burgos, so.; Emma Smith, jr.; Emma Ontiveros, jr.
Outlook: The Saints won’t have any seniors this season, but are looking forward to seeing underclassmen contribute. The Saints took sixth in regionals last year and advanced three to sectionals, so there is momentum to build upon.
“We are definitely using the progress we made last year to motivate our veteran and new bowlers,” Cole said.
St. Charles North
Coach: Lindsay Madej
Top returners: Molly Denz so.; Megan Bauwens, so.
Outlook: The North Stars will be a young team featuring two freshmen, two sophomores and one junior with a handful of returners in Denz and Bauwens. The North Stars had a short postseason last year and did not advance individuals to sectionals, but could push for more contention in the conference as the season progresses.
“We are focused on learning how to best use our new equipment, handle various lane conditions and team bonding,” Madej said.