The early season for the CA bowling program was marred by cancellations due to COVID-19. The only game that occurred before January was December 18 against Worthington Christian at HP Lanes. Only the boys participated in this, and they fell 1990-1788. Jacob Mowery’23 made an early case for most improved player, as the sophomore put 156 before a staggering 236 in the second game. Star Vincent White’21 also did not disappoint, as he bowled a consistent 191 and 155. White headlines a loaded senior class, which also includes Cole Leis, Skyler Simpson and Gabe Taub. After putting up 137 and 112, said they are “shaping up to be a strong squad.” Leis put up 118 and 117, with Simpson putting up 146 in the second game. Anasis added 110 in the first game. Because of COVID restrictions, the team can only bring six bowlers to each game, but as Taub said, “They have 8 guys in the hunt for varsity.”

Our girls battled Worthington Christian and fell to the Warriors at HP lanes, 1813-1162 on January 6. Senior Evelyn Olexio led the way for a shorthanded girls squad with 132 and 137, followed closely by senior Maddy Rosenberg, who had 144 and 113. Tara Hoffman’22, sister of former star bowler Michael Hoffman’20, chipped in 127 and 112, and newcomer Adeline Buttler’24 had 98 and 76. Unfortunately, the next day also came with an Academy girls bowling loss, this time 1701-1109 at the hands of Hamilton Township. The lack of depth proved to be an issue again, as every player had to bowl both games. Hoffman led the way this time, with 113 and 125. Olexio was next up, displaying perfect consistency with 111 and 111. Buttler improved in this game, with 97 and 125, while Rosenberg had a bit of a down game, with 121 and 85.

The boys also played on January 6 and 7 at HP Lanes and pulled out a win against Liberty Christian, 1633-1364. The male Striking Vikings have loads of depth, and that proved valuable against the Eagles. White led the way with159 and 139, closely trailed by Mowery with 136 and 153. Next was Simpson’s 117 and 154, and then Taub’s 134 and 123. Leis had 110 in the first game and Podgurski-a 99 in the second. Our vikings put up a good fight the following day as well but couldn’t withstand the bludgeons from Hamilton Township. They ended up losing 1979 to 1617. Mowery impressed yet again in this one with 160 and 169, followed by Leis with 129 and 145. White had 151 and 119, with Simpson chipping in143 and 115. Podgurski had 132 in the second game, while Taub had 95 in the first.

The season is young and multiple games will likely be shifted around due to COVID, but as of right now, both the boys and girls will have three opportunities to win next week. Those will be January 13 at HP Lanes against LIberty Christian, January 15 against West at the Sequoia Pro Bowl, and January 19 vs Hamilton at the Wayne’s Webb Columbus Bowl.