After winning the KMAC championships in both boys’ and girls’ bowling, Highland will try to duplicate that feat in the 2018-19 season.

This is the 15th season for coaches Ron Garlinger and Amber Brubaker and the first coaching for Ty Hicks.

The girls’ team returns Autumn Burson and Erin Conner — both entering their fourth years on the team. A third senior, Courtney Weikel is in her third year bowling, while sophomore Paige Hicks also has experience. Rounding out the team are junior Madison Zamer and freshmen Camberly Schade and Faith Stewart.

Senior Ben Rinehart is in his fourth year on the boys’ team, while senior Brennen McLaughlin and junior Ian Taylor are third-year bowlers. Sophomore Tucker Tague also returns, while the team is rounded out by senior Trea Renwick and sophomores Tyler Disbennett, Sam Schwartz and Zach Watts.

Northmor Knights

Northmor head bowling coach Russ Montgomery will have a pair of young teams this winter.

The team graduated four girls who’ve played a huge role in its recent success. Chloe Meier, Sara Drumm, Sammy Grogg and Alexis Yarnell were all all-league bowlers, with Yarnell also earning All-Ohio recognition. Back are Tory Carver, Emilie Drumm, Christen Eichler and Maddie Hoverland.

“The girls’ team has no seniors,” said Montgomery. “It’s a very young group. Junior Tory Carver and sophomore Maddie Hoverland have to take the leadership role in order to have another successful season.”

For the boys’ team, Josh Langoehr, Joe Baldinger, Jared Hale and Bob Guiler all are back.

“The boys’ team is really young,” said the coach. “They’re looking to gain experience over the next couple years in order to improve and looking for junior Tyler Bailey to provide leadership.”

Regardless of youth, Montgomery is of the opinion his bowlers have the potential to experience success this season.

“Winning the league is always the primary goal,” he said. “Finding a way to win the close matches is a priority. If the bowlers believe in themselves and their ability, then they’ll do well.”

Cardington Pirates

Coached by Morgan Edgell, the Cardington girls’ bowling team will return four letter-winners from last year’s team.

Senior Laynee Wilson was a first-team all conference pick, as well as the Player of the Year, and advanced to the state tournament as an individual qualifier. Senior Addie Wilhelm was another first-team pick in the conference, while junior Morgan Lehner was a second-team pick and senior Frankie Arnold earned honorable mention.

The team did graduate KMAC honorable mention pick Makenzie Blake, but gains some varsity newcomers whom Edgell thinks have a lot of potential in freshmen Peyton Counts and Sydnie Wilson.

“I think it will be another successful season for the girls,” said the coach. “I have high hopes that the newcomers can step up and take the place of some girls that have left due to graduating. One main goal I have for the team is the upperclassmen stepping up to help the younger ones learn how to handle matches and tournaments.”

In the conference, Edgell looks at Highland and Northmor as the toughest competition in the race for a title.

The boys’ team, coached by Tim Edgell, returns three letter-winners in Jakob Edgell, Ryan Speck and Tyler Kintz.

Edgell noted that he is still building up a young team. The team graduated all-conference bowler Blake Clapham, but gained a senior newcomer in Connor Halbert.

By Rob Hamilton

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Rob Hamilton can be reached at 419-946-3010, ext. 1807. Connect with him on Twitter at @SportsMCS