By: James McKeever
They are the co-captains, the anchors, a pair of senior leaders. When the Monroe High School boys bowling team needs big numbers at crunch time, or a calming presence when things are on the verge of falling apart, the spotlight usually sways to shine on Eric Wysokowski and T.J. Van Gorden.
And these guys don’t disappoint.
The Falcons rested last week from high school competition (due to the holiday break they last bowled on Dec. 22), enjoying a 12-0-2 start to the season.
Although this is a veteran team with a bunch of returning starters and a sensational sophomore in Gregg Puleio, the two big guys are Wysokowski and Van Gorden. They’ve been bowling varsity ever since they stepped into high school.
"They’ve been here for four years," said Monroe coach George Packard. "They know what’s going on and what to expect and they pass that on down the line to all the other guys. That makes things easier for me."
In high school matches six players bowl, three on each lane. The last guys to roll in the Falcons’ trios are Wysokowski and Van Gorden.
The anchors.
"We’re the co-captains, but there are no set leaders on the team,"’ said Wysokowski, second in GMC play this season with a 745 series. "We all try to lead each other. Everybody works together. The only time I feel any extra pressure to be a leader is in a close match, because I bowl last in my group.
"But this is a veteran team. Besides T.J. and myself, Dan Trinkler has been bowling great and Greg Puleio has had a tremendous season. The whole team pitches in."
Packard likes to have two steadying influences like Wysokowski and Van Gorden.
"Eric has been right there with a 203 average," the coach said. "He’ll tell you he’s not as consistent as he’d like to be, but he’s had some real good games. T.J. averages about 201. He has been bowling pretty steady all season long.
"They’re leaders by example. They’re not showy. T.J. is the little more emotional of the two. But they’re not hot dogs. They let their bowling do the talking."
The Falcons’ boys and girls teams jump back into action with three matches in three days next week: A tri-match with Perth Amboy and South Amboy on Monday, followed by dual matches against Colonia (Tuesday) and Woodbridge (Wednesday).
Monroe’s girls team, also coached by Packard, has a 4-10 record after starting the season 1-5 and 2-7.
