Over the past month, the Lakeview Girls’ and Boys’ Varsity Bowling teams have been wrapping up an unforgettable season. Competing at Cortland Lanes for the NE8 Championship Tournament, Freeway Lanes for Sectionals, and Rebman Recreation for Districts, the Bulldogs proved why they’re a force to be reckoned with—both teams captured NE8 titles and advanced to the district tournament. Through hours of practice, plenty of laughs, and strong team bonding, the bowlers showed that success comes not just from skill, but from the fun and dedication they share on and off the lanes.
At the NE8 Championship, both teams secured the tournament title, along with the honor of NE8 Regular Season Champions. The boys finished conference play with an impressive 7-1 record, and the girls finished with a perfect 8-0 undefeated record.
Lakeview math teacher and bowling coach Dean Shanower talks positively about his team and the season they had: “I would describe this team’s performance as consistent, competitive, and championship-driven from start to finish. They competed with confidence all season long, setting the tone early and maintaining a high standard every time they stepped on the lanes. Whether it was conference play, weekend tournaments, sectionals, or districts, they showed resilience, focus, and the ability to rise to the moment.”
As if the conference titles weren’t impressive enough, the Bulldogs continued their momentum at the Sectional Tournament. The boys’ team placed third, earning a trip to the district level—a major milestone for this group of bowlers. The girls’ team dominated the competition once again, finishing first to claim their sectional title and advance to districts for the third straight year.
Junior Julianna Anderson said, “Competing at districts is always one of my favorite memories of every season. It is exciting and rewarding for all the work we put in throughout the season. This year was more special regarding us finishing first at sectionals. We work hard and stay determined to get to districts. We work together as a team in order to make it that far. After a very successful season this year, districts felt a little less stressful than past years.”
Considering some of this year’s boys’ team are first time Varsity bowlers, this milestone of reaching districts was a huge accomplishment for them.
Junior Carter Verbosky explained how he felt bowling at Districts: “It felt invigorating. I felt accomplished and proud just having the opportunity to show up and compete at Rebman.”
Junior Brayden Shanower expressed, “Competing at districts has honestly been such a reward for the high amount of effort and time put in to make it happen. I couldn’t thank my teammates more for being the kindhearted and funny people that they are.”
Sadly, the 2025-2026 bowling season ended for our Bulldogs at the District Tournament. The boys battled from start to finish, but it wasn’t enough to advance. The girls did the same, but they fell just short of advancing to the State Tournament, finishing an impressive 5th out of 16 teams.
Junior Maddy Ruddy had one word to describe this season, and it was, “Sisterhood because we all became so tight this season and I’m forever grateful for my best friends that will always have my back. We always made sure we helped each other back up, even if someone was doing badly.”
Reflecting on such an unforgettable season, not all of our favorite moments come from big tournaments, but practices and team bonding.
Shanower explained, “My favorite moment from this season has to be when I accidentally fell face first onto the lane, and when I turned to complain, everyone told me I was wearing the wrong shoes.”
With only one graduating senior between the two squads, the Bulldogs’ core lineup will return next season—determined to build on this year’s success and make a run at the state tournament.
Anderson expressed, “The major goal I have for next year is to make it to states. I would love to make it as a team or individually, as it being my senior year. It would be a very big accomplishment to me because of all the work we have put in throughout the years.”
What an incredible season it has been for the bowling Bulldogs! Their accomplishments reflect their hard work, resilience, and the way they represented Lakeview.
Coach Shanower adds, “Most importantly, they performed as a team. They supported one another, responded to challenges, and represented Lakeview with pride and class. Their NE8 Conference titles, strong tournament finishes, and postseason success weren’t accidents — they were the result of preparation, chemistry, and belief in each other.”
This season is truly special and one for the books. Congratulations, bowlers!
