The winter sports season is in full swing, and the Lakeview High School Bowling Team has hit the lanes with energy and determination. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams are embracing the challenges of the season, which includes a packed schedule of matches, tournaments, and new players ready to make their mark. This season, they are once again led by their dedicated coach, Lakeview math teacher Dean Shanower. Now in his third year at the helm, Shanower has been instrumental in shaping a competitive and determined group, setting the stage for a season filled with fun and exciting games ahead.
With four matches under their belt, both teams have shown great resilience and a commitment to improving as they continue to face tough opponents. The boys’ team has had a solid start, boasting victories over Canfield and Austintown. Their win against Canfield was a decisive showing of their skills, while their narrow victory against Austintown highlighted their ability to perform under pressure. However, they stumbled against Struthers in a tough loss, as Struthers proved to be a formidable opponent with unbeatable scores throughout the match. Their most recent match against Niles ended in a rare tie, showing just how evenly matched the two teams were and giving the Bulldogs motivation to improve as the season continues.
This year’s roster is a mix of returning players and fresh faces, giving the team a balance of experience and new energy. For the boys, the leadership of returning players has been critical in helping the new members adjust to the competitive atmosphere of high school bowling. Senior Lucas Redmond is one of the standout players on the boys’ team, and he sees this season as an opportunity to showcase their collective strength. “This season has already been full of surprises,” Redmond said. “We’ve got a solid group, and our wins against Canfield and Austintown showed what we’re capable of. Now it’s about staying consistent and giving every game our best effort.”
On the other hand, the girls’ team has also showcased a strong mix of experience and new talent this season. Resilience has defined their season, as they’ve taken on tough challenges in matches against Austintown and Struthers. Although these games posed difficulties, their impressive victories over Niles and Canfield have highlighted their teamwork and potential as a team.
Senior Bradyn Armstrong praised the team’s efforts, noting, “We’ve had some tough matches, but we’ve also shown what we can do when we work as a team. I’m excited to see how we continue to grow this season, especially with so many new players stepping up.”
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs face a busy schedule with matches against Girard, Hubbard, Howland, Boardman, and Warren Harding. These games will not only test the players’ skills but also serve as opportunities to build momentum heading into the Northeast 8 Conference. The Trumbull County Tournament on January 5th is another highlight of the season, offering both teams a chance to compete against some of the strongest bowlers in the area and showcase their growth.
Senior Caden Baldwin is optimistic about the remainder of the season and the team’s potential. “The best part of this season is how much we’ve learned from every game,” Baldwin said. “We’ve got some big matches coming up, and I think we’re ready to prove ourselves.”
As the season progresses, the Bulldogs are determined to make their mark. Whether celebrating a strike or learning from a loss, the players are embracing the challenges of competition and growing as a team. With hard work, determination, and a bit of Bulldog pride, Lakeview’s bowling teams are destined for a strong finish this season.
