Howell Girls' Bowling Team

Ranked as the #1 Girls Bowling Team in New Jersey, the Howell High School Rebels are taking the lanes by storm. They stand proudly undefeated through all 12 matches that have been held so far this season, and have scored first place in 6 tournaments. At this rate, they’re on track to secure the distinction of 3 full seasons in a row without a single loss in match play. You would think that these girls must have been bowling all their lives to achieve the victorious streak they hold now, but according to coach Bob Wetzel, their skills were built from scratch starting from the moment they joined the team. Through hard work, dedication, and countless hours in the bowling alley, the rest is history.

Bob has been coaching this same team for over a decade, and says that they’ve connected as fondly as a family throughout all of the years. In fact, Bob coached members of his actual family, as he first stepped in to work at Howell High School when his son and daughter were enrolled there. With over 12 years of his own professional bowling experience, Bob has brought invaluable guidance to each and every player that was eager to learn. When asked about what he loves most about his job, Bob highlights his pride that none of the girls bowl to just win; they care about one another as true friends and bowl together on their own time, too.

Of the 10 students on the team, 7 are current seniors– most of which are already confirmed to bowl in college in the fall. One player, Madison Lewis, stands out with a whopping 202 point average, landing her the honorary spot of the 3rd highest average in the state for her category. Two other players, Sophia Raucher and Kayleigh Germadnig, are right up there with her in the state’s top 10. Yet, no matter their placement, Bob emphasizes the pure talent of every girl on the team, with each one maintaining highly impressive averages of 150 or more.

Aside from the seniors, there are two juniors and one freshman on the team, all of which thrive at varsity level already. Even with the majority of the girls graduating in the spring, Bob expresses no fear for the future of the team, knowing that he will be left with 3 fantastic, committed players. He feels reassured knowing that any newcomers can get caught up to speed in no time under the trusted wings of the 3 remaining girls.

On February 24th, Howell High School will get the ball rolling at the state sectionals, trying their luck at reaching the final championship a few days later. Bob notes that they’re up against some substantial competition, facing skilled teams made up of fellow high school girls who share a passion for the sport. However, the Howell High School Rebels aren’t known to turn down a challenge, especially when the task at hand is right up their alley.