:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/WC6EYZOYUNCSVGYTW667QRIKBE.jpg)
The boys bowling season got underway Monday. Here’s a look at what each area team has this season:
La Salle-Peru
Coach: Randy Gunia
Top returning bowlers: Peyton Baker, jr.; Chance Hank, jr.; Ethan Picco, jr.; Matthew Mickelson, sr.; Jacob Quick, jr.; Aaron Siebert, so.; Noah Wells, sr.; Brent Wicinski, jr.
Top newcomers: Colin Wren, sr.; David Lawrence, fr.
Worth noting: The Cavaliers lost two-time NewsTribune Boys Bowler of the Year Landen Miller, but first-year coach Gunia returns a solid nucleus in Baker, Picco and Hank, who finished, 12th, 14th and 20th, respectively, in the Interstate 8 Conference last season. … Wren, a senior newcomer, uses a two-handed form, while Lawrence, a freshman, turned in a strong three-day score in tryouts. … Gunia said the team’s top nine-game averages from tryouts were between 164-196. “We are looking for bowlers to show a weekly improvement in scores and consistency in approach to their game,” Gunia said. “Team goals are to place high in tournaments and make an extended postseason run. … High school bowling is back to a full season this year after last season was cut short because of COVID-19 and did not include a postseason. The Cavs’ season was even shorter because of a COVID-19 pause at L-P. “Having a full season and postseason offers the bowlers a better opportunity to showcase individual talents and to expand the team unity,” Gunia said.
St. Bede
Coach: Buck Emmerling
Top returning bowlers: Trenton Acuncius, sr.; Anton Cain, sr.; Thomas Harris, sr.; Hunter Welch, sr.
Top newcomers: Henry Mertel, so.; Elliott Quartucci, so.; Haiden Ator, fr.; Trayger Davis, fr.; Dominic Fonderoli, fr.
Worth noting: Acuncius brings a wealth of experience to the Bruins. He had a 197 average last season and qualified for the sectional as a freshman and sophomore. Cain (186 average), Harris (160) and Welch (149) also bring varsity experience. “Having a full season is really going to set the tone for being able to set team and individual goals,” Emmerling said. “Without a full season and regionals, it’s hard for the kids to mentally prepare themselves to compete at a high level. Last season, we were unable to think beyond the task at hand. There was no guarantee we would hold another practice or match due to COVID-19.” … Emmerling said the team also hopes for postseason success. “I just want them to work hard and have fun and hopefully their effort will help us achieve our goals.”
Hall
Coach: Monica Hrovat
Top returning bowlers: Moses Levine, so.; Anthanee Danner, so.
Top newcomers: Isaia Pelc, jr.; Jacob Moore, so.; Nathan Harrison; Sidney Davis, fr.; Michael Terry, fr.
Worth noting: The Red Devils have limited experience with only a pair of sophomores returning whose only high school experience came in last year’s pandemic-shortened season. “Having a very young team with not much experience, I just look for improvement and a fun season,” Hrovat said.
Mendota
Coach: Kassidi Guerrero
Top returning bowlers: Zach Compbell, sr.; Jacob Enser, sr.; Alex Hermosillo, sr.; Clay Buffington, jr.; Landon Bauer, so.
Top newcomers: Aiden Kent-Tucker, fr.
Worth noting: The Trojans return a solid core with five bowlers back with varsity experience. Bauer is a year-round bowler who competed in several national youth tournaments and was named 2020-21 Wisconsin Youth Bowling Tournament Player of the Year. “We are expecting big things from Landon this year,” said Guerrero, who noted Bauer averages about 205. … Guerrero expects consistency from her three seniors. “We are looking for increased averages out of each of them this year and hoping they can provide solid leadership for our younger varsity bowlers,” Guerrero said.