The first-ever KLAA Bowling Media Day was held at John Glenn High School on Nov. 8. The event, organized by John Glenn Athletic Director Jason Malloy, was created to increase bowling coverage and player turnout on KLAA teams.
From P-CEP, both boys and girls varsity bowling teams from Plymouth and Canton participated in media day with multiple player representatives. Salem teams were not in attendance.
All KLAA teams spoke on how they prepared for the season letting their players make remarks as well.
Plymouth is looking to continue its recent success with another great year. The Wildcats have returning bowlers senior Brianna Swickard, averaging 155.9 last season placing her fourteenth in the conference, and senior Jack Smith on the boy’s varsity team. With great talent on the lanes this year, head coach Chris Swickard said their philosophy is to have fun and compete hard.
Plymouth assistant coach Gary Eugene said he can’t wait to succeed this year, “[I’m] looking forward to the matches that we have this year and having success,” said Eugene. “We have four seniors, we’re looking for big things from our team.”
The 2023-2024 season will be Canton head coach Sean Kenney’s first, and his first at the high school level. Despite many talented senior boys graduating in 2023, Canton will look to continue their recent competitive edge. Some of the Chief’s top returners include the highest-scoring KLAA Varsity Girls bowler, Angela Flynn, averaging 207.03, senior Michelle Scopone who averaged a score of 172.37 in the 2022-2023 season and sixth in the conference, and senior Nick Parker who looks to lead the boys.
Kenney said his philosophy for the year is for his players to respect their team, school, sport and opponents, but to first respect themselves.
“I’m really excited for the [coaching] opportunity,” said Kenney.
Malloy hopes this event will produce higher participation in bowling throughout the entire conference, “The KLAA is one of the best bowling conferences in the state of Michigan,” said Malloy. “We hope that this is a driving force to increase bowling in all of our schools and to bring notoriety and attention to the sport.”
