Newton boys and girls bowling coach Christie Lester is attempting to replicate past success with some less experienced bowlers this year. Lester was promoted from assistant bowling coach to head bowling coach in May of 2017. Since then, she has coached several individuals and teams that have qualified for the State Bowling Tournament. 

“My girls teams went four straight years in a row and I had individuals go four straight years. I have had the boys team go two straight years and individuals the last few years.”

On the boys team this year, Lester identifies returning seniors Austin Kennedy and Gentry Swarts as her top two bowlers. Two freshmen, Parker Kennedy and Jeremiah Kilmer, also started this season in the top five.

For the Cardinal girls, returning juniors Gabbie Humphrey, Aeris Archer, and Kelly Holmes are leading the team.

“I have a lot of newer girls who have never bowled before or just bowled recreationally. So it’s a rebuilding year. But we are happy to have them, because without them the sport is not going to grow.”

The Newton boys and girls bowling teams are both 3-1 in duals this season with wins over Gilbert, Pella, and Knoxville. Both teams lost to Norwalk last Saturday. At their home Cardinal Invitational earlier this month, the Newton boys placed 2nd while the girls finished 4th.

The next competition for the Newton boys and girls bowling teams will be a meet in Sigourney Monday, January 6th against Sigourney-Keota.