Good times should roll for Warrior bowlers

By: Kyle Moylan
   When individuals go into sports, they imagine the taste of victory will be pretty sweet. Then when they do win, their beliefs are proven right.
   Last season the New Egypt High School girls’ bowling team won or tied for its sixth Freedom Division championship. And just like the others, it was pretty satisfying.
   "Anytime you win, you want to continue the tradition," New Egypt Coach Mike Search said. "You always want to win."
   Just like a kid biting into his first chocolate bar, there’s an instant gratification and knowledge that this is pretty good.
   "Because of our success, we’ve had kids try out that might not have before," Search said. "People want to be a part of a successful team. Tryouts will continue this week."
   New Egypt is preparing to take part in the Bishop Ahr Tournament this weekend. New Egypt will open the regular season by hosting Maple Shade on Monday and Burlington Township on Tuesday (both 3:45 p.m. starts). And while everyone will be given a shot in the tryouts, the kids already in place will be a lot harder to knock down than a bowling pin.
   Olivia Miller is the only starter to graduate from the girls team. Back this season are Nicole Kukoda, Kathleen Schmidt, Joy Otten and Amanda Stinson. Karen Leidtka, Katie Koneski and Allyse Randolph are among the bowlers trying to crack the starting lineup.
   "We’re very optimistic," Search said. "The girls should battle it out with Delran and Bordentown (in the division)."
   In preparation for the 2006-2007 season, Kukoda attended a bowling camp in New York. The same is true of several of the members of the boys’ team.
   "I’m impressed by what they learned," Search said. "They brought back drills for the rest of the team and a lot of interesting things about bowling."
   These tips will help a New Egypt boys’ team that already was pretty good.
   "We’re excited about the boys," Search said. "We have seven guys with an average of 170 or better."
   Pat Antrobus was the lone bowler to graduate. Back for another season are Rich Reynolds, Dan Bunce, Dan Sepp and Alex Funck. Freshmen trying to break into the lineup are Grey Reynolds, Matt Siebert and Shane Weisberger.
   "Both teams look real good," Search said. "Both teams look real strong. I’m real excited about the season."
   And enjoying the fruits of their labors and talent. Hey, winning isn’t an acquired taste. It is, however, a taste you have to acquire. But once you do, it’s kind of hard to go back to TV dinners and toast.