This Saturday, November 9, the Warriors boys bowling team will begin their season at Viking Lanes in South Beloit. The team is looking to build off of last years’ success, and has high hopes entering the 2019 – 2020 campaign. 

Dale Gross has been coaching boys bowling for three seasons. When asked what his goals are for the team this season, he kept it short and simple. “Going back to state,” said Gross. “Last year for only the second time in the schools history we had a state qualifier.  We are also setting the goal of getting the entire team to sectionals.” 

Gross feels very strongly about his experienced team, but realizes that they will have to overcome many challenges along the way. “There are so many good bowling teams in our regionals and sectionals.  Last year six of the states top 10 teams were from our sectional.”

Senior Jacob McLean is going into this upcoming season having just committed to bowl competitively in college. “Bowling past high school competitively is a dream come true, I thought I would have never been able to,” McLean said. “Just this last week, I committed to bowl with Highland College who won the NJCAA tournament last year. After college I hope to get the chance to bowl on tour with some of the pros.”

In his second to last practice before the season began, senior Aidan Barroso bowled his best game to date, scoring a 299 out of 300 possible points. Having only bowled competitively for one year, a score this high is quite impressive. According to Ballreviews, the average high school bowler scores between 185 and 205 per game.

One way I focus on my shot is, before I throw the ball, I usually stare at focus point on the lane on where I am going to throw the ball and then that’s when I start. I don’t think about anything when I am up there besides where I am throwing the ball,” said Barroso. “This game is all about creating muscle memory for your form. Also, making adjustments when you are early or late to the pocket is very important.” 

With their sights set high for the 2019-2020 season, the varsity boys bowling season will begin November 9 at 9:00 am at Viking Lanes in South Beloit.