Two more pins.
That’s the motto this year for the Oxford High School Varsity Bowling Team. It signifies the number of pins the team fell short in qualifying for a run at the state tournament last season.
The team finished 4-6 last year but had a run toward the end as they picked up momentum.
‘We competed well, but our record wasn’t where it should’ve been with the talent we had,? said Bowling Head Coach J.R. Lafnear.
The boys team lost Tyler Heichel (a three-year Varsity starter) and Ben Griggs (last year’s most improved bowler) to graduation. Returning are Steven Lafnear, Brandon Burgess (who qualified for the state last season) and Michael Magyar. New on the boys? team are Russell Ferguson, Scott Compau, Brandon Wynkoop, John Taylor and Ben Chazmadia.
On the Girls? Team, everybody is returning from last season while only Heather Lafnear and Anna Moses are newcomers. Returning are Ashlee High, Kelly Cartner, Liz Laframboise, Sarah Decker, and Haley Parusziewicz.
Lafnear said the Boys? Team will bring a lot of depth to the table while the girls are strong, competitive bowlers.
‘Our starting five boys are the most experienced in high school bowling that it’s ever been,? he said. ‘We have a state returner for the first time. We’re very well-schooled.?
An added bonus is the addition of Taylor and Wynkoop from the state champion Junior Varsity team.
Lafnear sees few weaknesses in his Boys? team and thinks they’ll have a great season. As for the girls, they tend to be a little inexperienced and will need to compete and contribute.
In the Flint Metro League, while this is the first time Oxford will have a full girls bowling program, it’s hard for the coach to say who will be the tough teams they’ll face. He expects Holly and Fenton to present challenges. On the boys? side, Lapeer West have good programs.
‘Our goal is to win the FML title and then qualify for states,? Lafnear said.
To accomplish that, the boys will need to work and concentrate hard while the girls will need to be diligent in spare shooting and eliminate as many mistakes as possible.
‘If [the girls] do that the’ll be force to be reckoned with,? he said. ‘They’ve qualified for Oakland County tournament the last 2 years and have been eliminated in the first round. We’re looking for them to go further in Oakland Tourney and qualify for state.?
He added: ‘The harder you work, the better your results. We’ll focus on working harder this season.?
Bowling trials began Nov. 20-21. The first match is Dec. 6.