2024-2025 Bowling Season Preview
Last Year’s Team Picture
Recap of the Last Season
The bowling team had a memorable 2023-2024 season with several impressive achievements. One of the standout moments was setting an all-time record against LaSalle, knocking down a total of 2,822 pins. The season kicked off with a win in their opener against Walnut Hills. Throughout the season, the team faced many ups and downs but maintained high morale, offering each other advice during challenging times. These struggles ultimately made the team stronger. Despite their athletic accomplishments, many team members shared that the most memorable moments were the camaraderie, including traveling to tournaments and having team dinners together. The season concluded with a respectable finish in the sectional tournament, leaving the team optimistic for the upcoming season.
Returning Players and Their Performance Last Year
The Moeller bowling team has a few key players returning from last season, including juniors Thomas Dyjak and Dalton Schotmiller. Dyjak made significant improvements from his freshman to sophomore year, increasing his average by 30 pins to a 191-pin average. Schotmiller returns after a gap year, during which he served as a catcher for Moeller’s baseball team. Another veteran on the team is John Sparks, who is entering his fourth season. Sparks, the only senior on the team, has great potential not only to perform but also to provide veteran leadership.
New Players
With a younger team following the graduation of many players last year, the five new freshmen, sophomores, and returning players will be crucial in setting the tone for the upcoming season.
Coach Outlook
Coach Meno’s outlook for this upcoming season is full of ambition and determination. He has made it clear that his primary goal is to make it to the state tournament. While he hopes the entire team will qualify, he aims for at least one individual bowler to make it. With a young but experienced team, Coach Meno believes they have what it takes to succeed. He emphasizes not only performance on the lanes but also academic excellence, aiming for his team to achieve the highest overall GPA among all Moeller winter sports. Coach Meno highlights the team’s commitment to their overall performance both on and off the lanes.
Key Games
One of the most important matchups this year is against Elder High School, which has had a dominant bowling team in the GCL for the past few years. Last year, Moeller came close to defeating Elder, losing by just 88 pins (2,540-2,628). Despite the tough loss, it proved that the team can compete with the best. Coach Meno saw this as a turning point in the season, boosting team morale and confidence. Games like these help develop the mental toughness needed to succeed at the highest levels. Coach Meno looks forward to playing Elder this year, knowing that the match will help develop the team and foster a positive attitude within the brotherhood.
Outlook for the Season
My outlook for this upcoming season is positive. After talking to the coach and a couple of players, I don’t see anything getting in their way this year. With the senior leadership of John Sparks, I feel confident we are going to have a successful season. The young, experienced team has proven they can compete with the best and have only improved from last year. Coach Meno is setting high goals for this team, and I think we are in for an exciting season.