Marlington bowling teams eye progress with deep boys roster, rebuilding girls squad

The boys’ and girls’ bowling teams at Marlington are not quite in sync this season, but for coach Beth Schick, variety is the spice of life.

On the boys’ side, Marlington brings back a large contingent from last year’s team, which finished 2-20 overall and 2-8 in the Stark County High School Bowling Conference’s American Division.

“We have 21 boys on this year’s team,” Schick said. “We have a large number of returning letter winners and a whole lot of eager and talented freshmen ready to show what they can do on the lanes this season.”

One key returner is junior Colton Lane, who posted the team’s highest average last season at 164.27. He is joined by junior Owen Wright (142.43) and seniors Issac McIntyre and Jacob Dean. Returning juniors also include Connor Wines, Izaak Stormer and Cole Irwin. A freshman class seven bowlers deep will strengthen the lineup, with immediate contributions expected from newcomers Cason Gowen and Mylan Thomas.

With depth and experience, the Dukes hope to make noise in both the American Division and the Eastern Buckeye Conference.

“I’m very optimistic and excited for what these boys will do,” Schick said.

Meanwhile, the Lady Dukes face more rebuilding after going 10-12 overall and 5-5 in the county. A major loss was team captain Cora Wines, who last season set the girls school record for a two-game series with a 423 against Massillon.

In total, six seniors graduated from the team that placed 11th at the Div. I sectional tournament.

“We lost six seniors to graduation,” Schick said. “We have a lot of new girls giving the sport a try for the first time.”

Just three returners rolled meaningful games last season: senior Elisabeth Blasiman (119.25), senior Laney Cross (117.15) and sophomore Brianna Westberry (104). Rounding out the varsity team are seniors Jaylee Shank and Mia Vigliotti, and sophomores Harper Hill, Kat Kungle and Isabella Coen. Like the boys’ squad, the girls feature a strong class of seven freshmen among the 15 total bowlers.

Schick, entering her eighth season as head coach, welcomes the challenge.

“We are a young team rebuilding this year, but I can see a lot of potential within them,” she said. “I am looking forward to seeing their growth throughout the upcoming season.”