The 2015 boys’ high school bowling season kicked off their season on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Baker Kick-Off Classic at the Brunswick Zone in Romeoville.
This event is the largest high school bowling tournament in Illinois where forty-eight teams from all parts of the state compete.
Plainfield North, Plainfield South and Lockport dominated the tournament. The Cougars defeated Lockport to cement themselves with a spot in the championship game.
In the consolation bracket, Plainfield North also beat Lockport to earn themselves a chance to play against Plainfield South in the championship game.
Despite North finishing with a two-pin lead in the tenth frame, the Cougars still took home the gold with a dominating performance in the one game series.
The brigade from Plainfield South was led by seniors Alec Eklove and Zach Kidd, along with juniors Nick Smiley and Nick Morris, and sophomore Jawaun Burks.
Head coach Brian Zettergren says he can’t wait to see how the new group will come together and become one of the powerhouses in the conference.
Last season the team finished with a record of 5-2 in conference and 10-3 overall. They are hoping this year’s team picks up where last season’s team left off.
“This year, we are also looking to defend our District 202 Championship. We have won the District 202 Championship, which consists of Plainfield North, Plainfield East, and Plainfield Central and are looking to make it a three-peat,” said Zettergren.
The team’s toughest opponent this year will be Minooka who consistently has a solid team.
“They have a great program and continue to put out fantastic teams and results year after year. We came extremely close to beating them last season, and hope to give them another run for their money this season,” said Zettergren.
The team is also holding their own tournament this year, known as the Plainfield South Cougar Holiday Invite, held on the day after Thanksgiving.
“We host 28 schools at Town and Country Lanes, and it’s a great event where people have come to appreciate Plainfield South’s effort to put on an exciting tournament,” said Zettergren.
Senior Alec Eklove is one of the many students on this year’s boys bowling team who is excited for their 15/16 season.
“When I’m bowling, my mindset is just to focus on one ball at a time. If I make a bad shot cover the spare if I can, and I also keep my mindset that I’m in it to win it along with the team,” said Eklove.
According to Eklove, bowling has taught him to stay focused on school along with setting new goals.
Eklove also hopes that all of the hard work he has put into being a bowler will eventually pay off by giving him a shot at the big time.

Girls’ bowling

The girls’ bowling team comes back this year with great confidence after winning the SPC conference and looks to keep their winning ways alive for their upcoming season.
“Our expectations are to qualify for the State tournament as a full team. We had one girl qualify last year, Paige Kwiatkowski, and she is a senior this year,” said head coach Dave Raila.
According to Raila, the team’s biggest threats this season are Minooka, Oswego, and Oswego East, all of which come into the season with strong teams.
“Those three schools in particular will be a challenge for us this season, but then again our whole conference is a challenge for us year in and year out,” said Raila.
The team is looking forward to the Morris Invite, where both the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams compete. The team also participates in an invite held a day after Christmas.
Junior Melissa Goodvin is one of the girls on this season’s team that is looking forward to this year.
“When it comes to bowling, I try to stay positive and stay focus. The key is not to worry about the last ball you threw. Don’t worry about your score, and don’t worry about anyone else’s score,” said Goodvin. She was inspired to join the bowling team after her older brother who was also a bowler.