After a three-year rebuild that began with the graduation of an entire varsity lineup, West’s boys bowling team delivered the most successful postseason run in program history — and head coach Scott Jablonski said the experience has set the foundation for even more.
Three years ago, West lost seven seniors and its full varsity roster, a group that finished fifth at state — then the best result in school history. The following season marked the only time in nine years the program failed to reach state. Since then, the climb back has been steady, culminating in a postseason run this winter that included record-breaking scores and a historic showing at the state tournament.
“This core had something magical going,” Jablonski said, reflecting on a group that returned to state last year and finished 17th before taking a major leap forward this season.
That leap became clear at regionals, where West won the title with a team total of 6,823 — the best series in school history and one of the top totals statewide. Sectionals proved more demanding, but West advanced after narrowly missing another title by six pins.
At state, the team opened with a blistering pace, averaging 1,200 pins over the first two games while missing just three spares in 100 frames. Despite a tougher third game, West regrouped after the break and finished Day 1 in first place — another first in program history.
“Our school has never finished in the top three,” Jablonski said. “We’ve been close, but never have we led after the first round.”
West carried that confidence into Day 2, remaining in first place through nine games. With hardware in sight, the pressure mounted during the final stretch. A difficult game and challenging lane conditions shifted momentum, and despite lineup adjustments, the team was unable to regain its earlier rhythm.
The season ultimately ended with an eighth-place finish at state — still the highest postseason placement the program has ever achieved.
“For the best postseason our school has ever had, we finished eighth at state, which is such a huge accomplishment,” Jablonski said. “We bowled our hearts out but just ran out of gas.”
Senior Nick Dul said the team’s bond defined the run.
“We bowled with everything we had, and even though we did not get the win, I’m proud that we were able to be there together,” Dul said.
Senior Matthew Staniszewski echoed that sentiment.
“This weekend was like a roller coaster of emotions, but it was amazing to be there with this team,” he said.
The postseason also highlighted the program’s future. Sophomore Ryan Richter led the team at regionals, won the individual title, and rolled a 300 game. At state, sophomore Patrick Berlin finished 12th overall to earn All-State honors.
“We proved to everyone that we have the skill and talent to get the hardware at State, we just could not quite get it done when things got tough mentally,” Berlin said.
Jablonski said the experience gained — especially with three sophomores in the starting lineup — was invaluable.
“As a coach, I could not be happier and prouder of this group,” he said. “This experience is priceless, and now we have the young core that can push for more future greatness.”
West has now qualified for state in eight of the past nine seasons, a consistency Jablonski credited to the players, assistant coach Alan Castaneda, and the broader bowling community.
“We had a following, and they got everyone’s attention,” he said. “That’s why I love the bowling community.”
With most of the roster returning, Jablonski said the work for next season has already begun — and expectations are higher than ever.
