The Lincoln-Way West Boys Bowling team enters the 2024 season with high expectations, as they aim for another strong finish despite losing much of last year’s talent.
Head Coach Scott Jablonski, whose teams have made the state tournament seven times in the past eight years, remains optimistic about his squad’s chances, focusing on the growth of his players and their mental strength.
“Expectations are always high for us,” said Jablonski. “Last year was a rebuilding year. We lost almost our entire varsity lineup, but the team came together, worked hard, and made it to sectionals, where we posted our best score of the year. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to advance, but we did have some individual success, especially from Logan Nicholls, who made it to state and broke some records along the way.”
Nicholls, now a co-captain of the team alongside Matt Stanislawski, has been one of the team’s standout performers. His success last year, earning a spot in the state tournament as an individual, was the result of his dedication to self-improvement.
“Logan put in a ton of work in the off-season, and he’s one of the most talented bowlers on the team now,” Jablonski said. “He’s self-taught, using resources like YouTube, and it’s really paid off. He’s a great example for the younger players.”
Stanislawski, who also serves as a co-captain, brings a mix of talent and leadership to the team. A standout baseball player, Stanislawski has excelled in bowling and plays a key role in guiding the team’s younger athletes. He and Nicholls have been instrumental in helping integrate new players, especially freshmen like Patrick Berlin and Ryan Richter, who impressed in their first tournament appearances.
“Patrick and Ryan were great in their first tournament,” said Jablonski. “They stayed calm, kept their focus, and helped the team right away. It’s exciting to see such talent at the freshman level.”
Berlin, who has quickly become a leader for the team, understands the mental aspect of bowling better than most. He stresses the importance of focusing on the process, rather than the score, in a sport where mental strength is key.
“Bowling is all about mental toughness,” said Berlin. “It’s you versus yourself, and if you get caught up in your score, it’s easy to get frustrated. The best advice I can give is to stay focused on throwing good shots, frame by frame, and the scores will come.”
Stanislawski added that building a positive team atmosphere is just as important as individual performance. “Bowling is a team sport,” he said. “If someone is struggling, you have to help them stay positive. It’s all about lifting each other up, because at the end of the day, the team’s total score matters most.”
For Coach Jablonski, the emphasis on teamwork is essential for success. “We’re not going to win this with just one or two star players,” he said. “It’s going to take all 17 of us working together. The JV guys are preparing to step up when needed, and that depth will be crucial as we move forward.”
Despite a tough sectional, where 10 teams average over 200 points, Jablonski believes his team has what it takes to make a run at the state finals. “Bowling isn’t just about throwing strikes—it’s about adjusting to lane conditions, reading the oil patterns, and making the right ball choices,” he said. “The team’s ability to adapt and improve is what will set us apart.”
With strong leadership, a solid foundation, and a mix of experience and new talent, the Lincoln-Way West Boys Bowling team is ready for a successful season. As they continue to develop and refine their skills, the team is united by a shared commitment to excellence, both on and off the lanes.