By John Beisser, Sports Writer
Middlesex County high school bowling is about as deep, talented and a competitive county as you might find in the state of New Jersey. Traditionally, the county produces some of the finest teams around and 2007-08 appears to be no different.
What is new and different is the head coach of the Monroe High boys and girls bowling programs. Long-time head coach George Packard has stepped down and in his place is the enthusiastic and upbeat Brian Latwis.
The 27-year old Latwis grew up in Spotswood and is in his sixth year as a special education teacher in the Monroe district. He received his education for this very worthwhile career as an undergraduate at New Jersey City University before earning a post-graduate degree at Georgian Court University.
”I’ve been involved in a number of activities at the school such as directing Key Club but this is my first stab at coaching,” he said. “I saw the job was posted and decided to apply. I guess they felt I was the best candidate. I’m really excited about the opportunity. What I see is a group of highly-motivated kids who want to do their best and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Thus far, Latwis has overseen several practices and he and his team are very much looking forward to the season opener on Saturday in the Bishop Ahr Classic at Carolier Lanes, which is where all GMC teams compete.
In high school bowling, the starting lineups are comprised of six competitors and the five highest scores are tabulated to form a team score with the lowest score being thrown out. Both the boys and girls teams are similar in that each returns a pair of veteran, varsity performers, individuals that Latwis refers to as his “anchors.”
The boys’ anchors are junior Nicholas Chen and Tommy Kauffman. Battle-tested and primed for the season to begin, Chen boasted a robust 210 average as a sophomore a year ago while Kauffman checked in with a 180 average.
Also forming the nucleus of the Falcon lineup will be senior Ray Horn and sophomore Joseph Doubt, who each posted averages in excess of 150 last season. Junior Adam Peterson and sophomore Kevin Suchiciki (Brian’s not positive on this kid’s class year) are also expected to be in the mix.
Providing depth on the jayvee team will be Steve Banninger, Steven Speranza and Nick Latwis.
The anchors of the girls’ team are senior Noelle Trinkler and sophomore Kelsie Chasan, both 150-plus average bowlers a year ago. Junior Jessica Zirkel and sophomores Marisa Guerra, Jessica DiPierro and Gabriella LaFata are all expected to play key roles on the 2007-08 Falcons’ team.
Opening the season on the jayvee team and providing important depth to the program will be Tammy Shinka and Angela Small.
