A t first glance, the 7-6-1 and 8-8 records for the Monroe Township High School bowling teams this past winter seem average.
But when the competition is made up of teams from the Greater Middlesex Conference, which features some of the best teams in the state, the Falcons enjoyed what only can be described as a successful season.
“Our teams competed well considering who we went up against during the season,” said Samantha Grimaldi, the Falcons’ firstyear coach. “We are a very young team and expect to do better next season.”
A look at the boys’ averages and class proves Grimaldi’s point. Jonah Burger, a junior transfer, topped the team in average with a 211.86 mark. Burger rolled the high game, 279, in the Central Jersey sectionals, and his 732 series was third best. Burger also bowled a 300 during the season.
A freshman, Christopher Gonier, is next with a 188.68 average, followed by sophomore Timothy Forrest with a 187.88 average. Junior Marcos Fazzino bowled a 185.65 average, junior Brian Latwis averaged 181.81 and sophomore Nicholas Binner finished with a 170.73 average.
The girls’ team was led by junior Lauren Hoffman, who averaged 195 on the season, which included a 297 high game and 708 high series. Hoffman also won the Prodigal Tournament during the regular season.
Other members included seniors Rachel Kowal, Jenna Rutsky and Bridget Dipierro, sophomore Kellie Ehrman, and freshmen Crystal Burdge and Chrystal Stasicky.
While Grimaldi is in her fourth year with the program, she became the Monroe coach when Brian Latwis, father of the Falcon bowler by the same name, left the district to become the director of special services for the Keansburg school district.
“I bowled in high school and participate in several area leagues,” says Grimaldi. “I love being around the bowlers and helping them in any possible way. I believe our team has developed a unique bond with each other and will improve next year.”