PREVIEW: Season could be special for Panther teams

BOWLING
By: 
Pete Temple
Express Sports Editor

     Monticello High School’s bowling teams have much to look forward to as they begin the 2020-21 season.

     The Panther boys have high aspirations after reaching the state tournament last year for the first time in the program’s three-year history, finishing seventh, and returning every member of that team.

     “We’re returning all the letter-winners, and some of them have gotten much better over the summer,” fourth-year head coach Brian Meyer said.

     The Monti girls return just one bowler from the team that finished second in the River Valley Conference Tournament last season, but have several newcomers who could make immediate impacts.

     “We’ve got a lot of upperclassmen coming out for bowling who have never bowled (competitively) before,” Meyer said. “I have tremendous respect for them for doing that. I think their expectations are, we’re here for fun, and that’s what’s important.”

     The six members who bowled at State are back for the deep and talented Panther boys. Senior Caleb Gillmore averaged 215 in single games last year, including a 300 game (he recently recorded another 300 in a practice session). Senior Levi Temple finished eighth individually at last year’s state tournament, and carried a 199.55 average.

     That State team also included junior Logan Farmer (196.50 average), junior Easton Lee (194.7), senior Gary Pasker (179.75) and senior Jacob Farmer (171.13). Senior Noah Arduser is the seventh returning letter-winner, and averaged 173.75.

     With the potential of COVID issues, as well as scheduling conflicts, the Panthers are also counting on several other emerging bowlers. Among them are senior Alex Fagan, and sophomores Brendan Pasker and Cole Nietert.

     “We need eight to 10 people who can contribute at any time,” Meyer said. “I think we’re going to have a really solid group.”

     Monticello was 17-8 last season in dual matches.

     Camanche, Durant and Bellevue may be among the Panthers’ strongest competitors this year in the RVC.

     The Panther girls, who were 8-12 last year, will be led by senior Aubree Fairley, who appears likely to improve over her 117.5 average of her junior season.

     “Aubree Fairley, from the practices I have seen so far, has made tremendous leaps and bounds,” Meyer said. “Something clicked for her, and she is really rolling the ball well.”

     Two girls who bowled junior varsity last year but could step up this season are seniors Adele Hogan and Becky Lang, along with sophomores Aleasha Schilling and Maddie Parmenter.

     “I think Becky Lang will contribute, and Adele Hogan has been with us for a couple of years and is rolling the ball better,” the coach said.

     Among the newcomers who could make contributions immediately are junior Karle Kramer and sophomore Nora Sperfslage.

     “Hopefully they have as much fun as the girls did last year,” Meyer said. “Last year’s group was a lot of fun, and they were more competitive than they had been in the past.”

     In all there are 17 boys and 17 girls out for the teams.

     “Our whole deal is to get people through this healthy, and hopefully get life back as close to normal as we can in the nearest future as possible,” the coach said.

     

Category:

Subscriber Login