Over the past few years, the McNicholas Bowling Teams members have been increasing in numbers and in their scores. The 2023-2024 season has been one of the best years yet for the largest numbers of both the boys’ and girls’ teams with 24 boys and 20 girls.
For the girls’ team, this is the largest the team has been since it started during the 2001-2002 school year, with the first girl’s junior varsity team being formed last year during the 2022-2023 season. With this increase of numbers, the girls have also seen a tremendous increase in their season scores with last year only having won a single game and this year the scores have led the team to win 5 games and come runner-up in the GCL tournament with a score of 2838, that took place on January 7, 2024.
The girls’ varsity bowling team before the GCL co-ed tournament on January 7, 2024. The girls came runner up to Chaminade Julianne with a high score of 2838. Pictured from left to right: Katie Noble, Ellen Robey, Lucy Timko, Madison McPherson, Avery Elliot, and Kaitlyn Munafo. Not Pictured: Emily Burger.
“This year the team has gotten a lot closer which has helped us become better in the long run,” junior Emily Richmond states about recent success of the girls’ team.
However, it is not only the girls’ teams that are thriving this season, the Varsity Boys’ Bowling Team won the GCL tournament with a leading score of 3920. This is the first year ever that they have won this tournament after the team started in their 2001-2002 school season.
“The people on the team are a lot of fun to hang out with. Without the team’s encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to bowl as well during the GCL tournament,” states junior Hayden Shelly.
However, none of this success is achievable without the support of the coaching staff. Until this year, Mr. Bian Combs was the head coach of both Varsity teams and all three junior varsity teams; however, this year social studies teacher Mr. Mark Brugger stepped up to help.
“It has helped me, but I think it has helped the kids the most,” states Combs, “he’s been a great addition to the team.” Combs also states that assistant coach, Mr. Mark Brugger has been helpful, “especially for the junior varsity boys who sometimes get left to bowl alone when we’re focused on varsity.”
The teams’ success will take them to sectionals where they hope for continued success. Sectionals will take place February 12, 2024, where they are given the opportunity to advance on to districts.
The McNicholas Milestone 