Long Branch bowlers poised for solid season

BY VIN RAPOLLA Staff Writer

BY VIN RAPOLLA
Staff Writer

Rich Garlipp has been around the Shore Conference bowling scene long enough to know a good thing when he sees it.

And this year, he likes what he sees every time his Long Branch High School boys bowling team takes to the lanes.

The Green Wave started its first two weeks of the season strong, with a sweep over Neptune and a 2-1 decision over Manalapan, and they’ve been picking up steam from there.

Long Branch has a strong core of returning bowlers for the ’04-’05 season, all of whom have past varsity experience on the lanes.

Returning starters for the team are senior four-year starters Jerry Latacz and Keith Mentone, senior four-year returner John Sneddon, and junior two-year returner Nick Minniti.

Coach Rich Garlipp is confident in the depth and experience of his team and is looking forward to the season with his seasoned starters.

“They’re ready for the season, they know how to play with each other as a team and support each other on and off the lanes,” he said. “They’re a real pleasure to coach.”

The team has also had a big surprise turnout in freshman Chris Stok. Stok, a student who attends MAST (Marine Academy of Science and Technology), Sandy Hook, came to tryouts and easily took the fifth bowling position, bringing to the team a current average of 162.

“He was a great surprise,” said Garlipp. “He came along in tryouts and easily took the fifth position. He’s been great, and the team really loves him.”

The team also has a trio of returners who look to step up at some point in the season and be ready whenever called upon. Juniors Anton DeLucca and Kirio Tikanin and sophomore Warren Roddy all return for the season with hopes of attaining a starting position.

“They’re all ready to go and step up,” said the coach. “They’re in the wings waiting to get action and get out.”

In his 26th year as head coach of the Long Branch bowling program, coach Garlipp is extremely happy with the way his bowlers have stepped up and started this season. He looks to continue in the Long Branch tradition of good sportsmanship and teamwork.

“We pride ourselves on teamwork, and this season we look to have a winning season. We have a real chance to take it to the top. We just have to take each team and not look back,” said Garlipp. “It’s a remarkable team, wonderful to watch, and they really mesh as a unit.”