With a current record of 13-0 and fresh off a second-place finish at the Joe Romer Memorial Tournament, the Woodbridge High School boys bowling teamappears up to the challenge of a return trip to the Tournament of Champions. Last year’s Baron team took second in the tournament after winning Central Jersey and Group III titles.
“We had a great season last year here at Woodbridge,” head coach Mike Yannazzo said. “It was the first time girls and boys teams from the same school won state titles in 49 years. This year is looking pretty good too.”
With Woodbridge on everyone’s list of possible state champions, the team has not disappointed. Senior captains Brian Small Jr., Albert Patrick and John Kociolek all played a part on last year’s championship team and their leadership and experience have the team looking to defend its titles. One such title was marked off the checklist as the team already wrapped up the GreaterMiddlesex Conference Red Division title for a second straight season.
“All of our seniors are exceptionally strong,” Yannazzo said. “All have averages well over 200.” Kociolek currently leads the trio with a 219 average, with Patrick and Small Jr. maintaining averages of 212 and 211 respectively.
Sophomore Matt Sabin, the GMC leaderwith a 225 average last season, is in top form and maintaining a 225 average at this point in the season. Teammate Evan Simon heads into this week’s action with a 220 average. The junior won the GMC individual title earlier this season.
“Matt started slowly and was worried, but he’s picked it up lately,” Yannazzo said.”
If those averages are staggering, just consider the other Barons maintaining averages above the 200mark or just below it. Juniors Joe Santucci and Nock Olahmaintain 218 and 205 averages respectively, while talented freshmen Mike DiLeo (225) and Kevin Scesney (215) bring gaudy averages off the benchwhen needed. SeniorWillHodroski, another member of last year’s championship team is holding down a 209 average while fellow senior Anthony Eak is at 190 for the year and sophomore BrettWiewiorski is at 180.
“Last year’s team was loaded, but this year’s team has even more guys with averages in the 200s,” Yannazzo said. “Once a bowler is at the 200mark, they can bowl 250 on any particular day.” With so many seniors on this year’s team, it has been imperative for Yannazzo to get the young talent onto the lanes to gain varsity experience.
“I knew I was going to go with the five guys that were on the lanes last season when we won the state titles,” Yannazzo said. “WillHodroski has done a nice job as our sixth man, and I’m very happywith the lineup. The seniors have provided nice leadership and we’ve been able to bring the younger guys along slowly. Everybody has been a hero at some point during the season.”
Woodbridge will continue its quest for post-season glory today when it travels to Brunswick Zone in North Brunswick to square off against Old Bridge, the teamthat took first place at the JoeRomerMemorial over theweekend.
“The first time we went up against Old Bridge, we went down 112 pins after the first game,” Yannazzo said. “Wewon the second game and trimmed the lead by 75 points and eventually were able to overcome the entire deficit and win. We can’t do this again. It should definitely be a goodmatch.Now we know what to expect.”