Lakeview winter sports are in the thick of their seasons, with one striking it big: Lakeview’s Boys and Girls Bowling teams are knocking down their competitions one frame at a time. The 2024-2025 season has been marked with unforeseen moments and firsts for both teams, as they continue to dominate the lanes and Lakeview’s Bowling program.
As seen in most sports, coaches can make or break a team’s picture. Girls golf Head Coach, baseball Assistant Coach, and mathematics teacher Dean Shanower once again takes on Lakeview Boys and Girls Bowling teams as Head Coach. For Shanower, bowling has been no different than girls’ golf in terms of participation; numbers are continuing to climb for both girls and boys, now with an even bigger stretch.
Due to a jump in participation, Shanower introduces Lakeview’s Junior Varsity Bowling teams for both boys and girls for the first time in his career.
Shanower spoke about this year’s player outcome, noting, “This year, I did see an increase in players wanting to come out for the team and try out. We have been fortunate to be able to not only fill both varsity teams but also have both JV squads as well.”
As for the overall seasons, both girls and boys see a bright future, even with ups and downs.
Shanower states, “like every sport, we’ve had our ups and downs. The girls have also had an incredible season thus far. Their only losses have been to Austintown (out of conference) and Struthers (in conference).”
Along with having a phenomenal season and new JV additions, both varsity teams have what it takes to win it big in the long run. “Both the varsity girls and boys teams have what it takes to qualify at sectional tournaments and move on to districts. The girls’ team qualified last year and I’m looking forward to seeing if they can accomplish the same again,” according to Shanower.
With many new faces to bowling, there are quite a few familiar ones as always.
Across both teams, only one Junior has come out to play once again: Melena Zervas is one of Lakeview’s Bowling veterans, with nothing but positive outlooks on the season.
Zervas spoke out about her Junior season so far, stating, “We have all improved SO much from last season and recently I’ve been bowling above my average. Some of my favorite moments have been team bonding, like practices, parties, and bus rides. We have also bowled in some fun tournaments, and our girl’s team is the second-best in the county!”
As the only Junior, Zervas is excited for her upcoming Senior season, noting, “These past two years have been a great experience. I’m the only Junior who bowls, so I can’t wait for my very special senior season.”
When it comes to favorite moments, one moment can be seen through both girl’s and boys’ teams: spending time with friends.
Sophomore Julianna Anderson discusses her favorite moments and her season overall, stating, “My season has been good so far. I enjoy the tournaments and matches with my friends. I also love the friendships that I have built throughout the season.”
With the season halfway through, there is still so much to look forward to. So much so, with being on a roll, it’s hard to sound humble.
Senior Noah Masaitis is very confident about the upcoming season and what’s in store for the Bulldogs. Masaitis states, “I wanna say we could win most of the rest of them but you never wanna get too cocky.”
Even first-year players have their hopes up, as they have all season.
Freshman Abigail Raptis is looking forward to more victories for the Bulldogs, noting, “The upcoming session is looking very promising because of the improvement from everyone. We will surely get more wins in this coming season.”
As Lakeview Bowling continues to grow, it’ll surely keep its familiar faces. The sport has its way of boosting confidence within players, so why would one ever want to quit? Players see themselves in a new light as they take on the lanes and dominate their competition.
Freshman Deanna Gruber discusses her experience as a first-year player and her potential future with bowling.
Gruber expressed how as a freshman, she already sees herself bowling again in the future, “It showed confidence that I don’t relatively show that often but it also brought out the joy with myself and others. Bowling again for the next seasons would be something I would participate in. It’s something that’s addicting, making me want to come back again and again until the very end.”
Sophomore William Antonchak has had positive experiences with Lakeview Bowling thus far. Antonchak revealed how he anticipates bowling in the future, sharing, “it’s fun and I feel like I can get better if I continue.”
Lakeview’s bowling experience creates a fun, positive experience for all, especially coaches. Shanower expresses his love for the team, discussing his favorite part of the game: “The players. We have established a family atmosphere within our team. Everyone supports, uplifts, and encourages everyone else on the team.”
Shanower’s lasting impact on Lakeview’s bowling program will be seen for years to come. Both players and coaches have established a strong sense of community within the team, creating an inviting environment that isn’t just about playing the game; rather, it’s the connections made. Lakeview Bowling has a bright future as they continue to pin down their wins (no pun intended), with the potential for the best record in the conference and essentially a Conference Championship. Good luck to the Bulldogs as they take on the remainder of their seasons!
