Lake County boys bowling season preview
Lake Zurich
Coach: Peter Kupfer (third year)
Host lanes: Brunswick Zone Deer Park
Top bowlers lost: Ian Lincoln, Josh Zange (Robert Morris College)
Top bowlers returning: Juniors Ryan Downum, Luke Mueller, Austin Wells and Chris Zange; sophomore Steve Garcia
Newcomers: Sophomore Ryan Ford; freshman Tony Giannecchini.
Outlook: The Bears lost some experience, but they have a number of bowlers back with plenty of potential. "This year we've got a lot of youth, but we've got a lot of skill," said Bears coach Peter Kupfer. "This should be a good season to grow and develop our core group for the next two years." The Bears have a number of bowlers who average from 180-200. "Most of the bowlers are very established and will be working this year on developing new skills adding to our arsenal." If everything comes together and the pins fall, the Bears, who host the sectional, could be making a trip downstate.
Libertyville
Coach: Marc Spacone (second year)
Host lanes: Lakeside Lanes, Mundelein
Top bowlers returning: Senior Clint Carlson, juniors Heath Herchenbach, Josh Martin and Tony Miazzo; sophomores Kenny Croonborg and Marcus Truskowski.
Outlook: The Wildcats got a taste of boys bowling last year in their debut campaign. This year, the Wildcats will see if they can bowl with the rest of the area's best talent. "We're looking to work this season on building a tradition of hard work," said Wildcats coach Marc Spacone. "We're learning everything we need to do." The Wildcats are a growing program that should improve as the season progresses.
Stevenson
Coach: Barry Lapping (fourth year)
Host lanes: EsKape, Buffalo Grove
Top bowlers lost: Brett Agoos, Ryan Leavitt, Jordan Sheer, Jack Wilburt
Top returning bowlers: Dan Dubin, Ryan Sonnack
Newcomers: Scott Friedman, Bob Garman, Chris Kosky Paul Ritt, Adam Sachs Jr.
Outlook: The Patriots appear to be facing a rebuilding season after losing four quality bowlers from one of their better seasons. "We've lost most of our varsity the last two years," said Patriots coach Barry Lapping. "I expect Ryan Sonnack, Bob Garman and Paul Ritt to have good years. We definitely have a lot of room for improvement." The Patriots are a young group trying to get things rolling again.
Vernon Hills
Coach: Ron Long (ninth year)
Host lanes: Brunswick Zone, Hawthorn
Top bowlers lost: Erik Hencier, Jason Major (Robert Morris College)
Top returning bowlers: Seniors Brandon Knopoff, Aaron Rose and Chris Weaver; Juniors Sean Hogan and Alex Wong; sophomores Smith Donelon, Nick Garpow, Mason Madej, Kris McGovern, Nick Garpow, Jack Rieke and Scott Somers.
Newcomer: Freshman Shaefer Shepard.
Outlook: Vernon Hills keeps finding ways of getting back to state each year. The Cougars lost a very talented Jason Major to graduation. Now, Chris Weaver and his 211 average will take over his spot on a talented team - with the rest of Cougars averaging between 180 to 200. One plus: Weaver, Aaron Rose, Brandon Knopoff and freshman Shaefer Shepard have bowled together for the last eight years, which should provide plenty of team chemistry. PBA Hall-of-Famer and assistant coach Bill Spigner will be back to provide the team some helpful instruction.