The Oxford Varsity Boys bowling team kicked off their season last week after winning over the Berkley Bears in both baker games with 204 and 220 vs. Berkley’s 141 and 133, followed by a fourth place win out of 24 teams at the Cougar Classic at Collier Lanes Dec. 13.
‘This year’s boy’s team has three returnees from it’s state semifinal run of last year. Drew Pappas, Brady Wynkoop and Captain Jake Delong will lead this year’s squad.
‘Each of them has a strong game and has been through some tough battles,? Head Coach J.R. Lafnear said.
They will be joined by Juniors Luke Delong, Carter Anolick and David Staser, who where on last year’s JV state champions.
In the previous two years, they have won in tournaments and have dominated the JV league. Rounding out the squad are two talented freshmen in Tanner and Christian Cartner. These two freshmen have been in middle school bowling for three years and have had great success.
‘We have enough talent to compete at a very high level again this year. Our goals are to repeat as OAA Red division champions and to qualify and make a run at the State Championship,? Lafnear said. ‘We will compete in several tournaments and will go into each won thinking we can win them. Clarkston and Troy High will be tough again this year in the OAA Red division.?
The varsity girls team kicked their season off by placing sixth out of 24 teams at the Cougar Classic.
Senior Captain Stefanie- Anne Chizmadia and fellow senior Alyssa Hurlbert will lead a much stronger more experienced team into battle this year. Also returning are junior Hannah Farmer and sophomore Megan Kessler.
‘These four ladies were tough last year, but really inexperienced,? Lafnear said. ‘They got valuable time last year and will be much stronger this year.?
Junior transfer Mackenzie Janssen and sophomore Abby Pappas will join them. Abby was last year’s JV state singles runner-up.
‘Mackenzie is a strong bowler with a great amount of enthusiasm,? Lafnear added. ‘To have added depth seniors Bailee Malinowski and Kelly Caldwell round out the team, they are both improving and will play a valuable roll this year.?
This team finished third last year only losing to Lake Orion and Clarkston. They look to avenge those losses and contend for an OAA title. ‘They will be very competitive in all events they go to and have a shot at being a real force on the lanes,? he said. ‘Both boys and girls teams have real shots at OAA titles. I believe these bowlers can win any event they’re entered in.?
‘We have some real talent in this group and I’m excited to see who steps up and has a great season,? Lafnear added. ‘They work hard and really want to succeed.?