By: James McKeever
In Brian Burniston’s first season as coach of the South Brunswick boys bowling team, the Vikings finished with a 15-10-1 record, a nice jump up from the 11-13-14 mark the previous season.
Now the Vikings want to take the next step, and they may have the people to make it happen.
South Brunswick opens the season on Saturday in the Bishop Ahr Tournament and Burniston can’t wait to see how his team stacks up against the competition.
"We have talent and we have depth. Now it’s a matter of putting it all together," the coach said. "Saturday’s tournament will give us a good gauge to see where we’re at."
The Vikings feature a solid nucleus, with four starters returning to the lineup.
It starts with Matt Forthun and Chris DeSouza. Forthun, a senior who has started varsity since freshman year, averaged 201 a year ago and was named to the Greater Middlesex Conference All-Red Division team. DeSouza, a junior, averaged 200 and just missed a spot on All-Red Division, according to his coach.
"Those two guys are the anchors of the team," Burniston said. "They both should be very solid. You know what you’re going to get from Matt and Chris looks much better than last year. He seems more confident."
The other returning starters are Jared Kohutanycz and Matt Sichel, both juniors. Kohutanycz is coming off a season in which he averaged 180. Sichel carried a 176 average.
"This is Jared’s third varsity season and we’re expecting good things from him," Burniston said. "Matt has improved. We’re looking for those two guys to bridge the gap to our 200 guys, Matt and Chris."
Burniston likes the potential depth of his team and Matt Goddard has much to do with that. Goddard is a senior who bowled some varsity games last year. Burniston said Goddard has improved since last year is pushing himself to make an impact in his senior season.
Patrick Kovach is a sophomore who may contribute. "He throws a great ball. He just needs to work on consistency," said Burniston.
Franco Valentino is another sophomore who could help, although he may end up playing basketball this winter.
"If Franco bowls with us that gives us great depth," Burniston said.
Depth is something every bowling team needs if they want to chase a tournament title. The one disappointing aspect of last season was the Vikings’ below-average showing in tournaments.
"I think we have enough quality bowlers to perform better in tournaments this season," the coach said.
The regular-season schedule begins on Monday with a Red Division match against Piscataway. On Tuesday, the Vikings face J.P. Stevens and take on St. Joseph’s on Wednesday.
"The GMC realigned divisions and our schedule will be a little tougher this season," said Burniston. "Based on how we did last year and who we have coming back, I think we’ll have a strong season."

