Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009

New-look ONW boys hope to roll back to state

Olathe Northwest lost the state’s top bowler and the only coach the program has ever known, but the Ravens boys still believe they will be a force to contend with in 2009.

Under the guidance of first-year coach Kevin Hulsen, ONW isn’t making any bones about the challenge it faces replacing Matt Washford.

A two-time Sunflower League champion and the reigning Class 6A boys bowling champion, Washford was the unquestioned leader for the Ravens with a 215 pins per game a year ago.

Northwest also lost Mitch Gaylord, whose season average was a shade under Washford’s at 213. Don’t mistake the Ravens for an inexperienced bunch, though.

Junior Brad Keepes headlines a returning quartet with significant varsity experience. In 29 games as a sophomore, Keepes averaged 191.

Senior Jesse Foulk, who averaged 185 in 31 games, also returns along with sophomore Bryan Fluke, who averaged 165, and senior Gabe Bliss, who averaged 153.

“We’ve got four kids that have significant varsity or junior varsity experience,” Hulsen said. “Obviously, we’re looking for some people to step into those last two varsity spots.”

He indicated that several bowlers likely will fill those roles during the season. In fact, he’d prefer those last two spots become something of a revolving door.

“I hope it changes a couple times throughout the season, because that means we are constantly improving and getting better,” Hulsen said.

Falcons lack depth, remain talented

Olathe South is another team dealing with significant departures because of graduation.

A year ago, the Falcons had five bowlers who averaged better than 200 pins per game, but only junior Garrett Hayhow returns.

Hayhow averaged 207 pins in 32 varsity games a season ago. He’ll be joined by junior Eric Dace, who carried a 189 average last season, as South’s top returners.

“I don’t know if I want to say No. 1 and No. 2, but as far as our returning guys those are our strongest guys,” Falcons coach Darren Jenkins said.

Depth throughout the program won’t be as strong as it was in recent years, but behind Hayhow and Dace, South still has some talent at the varsity level.

Freshman Andrew Lovgren may emerge as the Falcons’ top bowler before the season is through, while junior Daniel Martin and freshman Colton Tousey also should be strong competitors.

“I don’t know if I’d say we’ll be as strong as the boys team we had last year, but we definitely have the potential for another strong season,” Jenkins said.

Deep, talented Eagles squad eyes state

In terms of returning talent, the top bowling squad in the city very well might be Olathe North, which finished second in the league and eighth at state a year ago.

Senior Ryan Klaus and sophomore Ryan Engle both averaged 202 pins per game last year.

The duo will be joined by senior Zach Demaree, who averaged 185, and sophomore Logan Hoskins, who averaged 190, to form a solid nucleus.

Look for senior Mitch Slauter, sophomore Rhett Imel and freshman Louis Newport also to make an impact with the varsity.

Eagles coach Dalene Moomau expects that her boys can challenge for the league title again and show well at state.

Gibbs leads Hawks

Olathe East’s boys are rich in returning talent, but senior John Gibbs isn’t a bad place to start. Gibbs averaged 199 pins in 31 games last season.

He returns as the leader of a Hawks team without much varsity experience behind him.

The only other returner who saw significant time with East a season ago was junior Sam Arends, who averaged 128 pins in 24 games.

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