Varsity bowling coach Gary Morrill has been coaching at LT since 2005, but picked up bowling in 2010. The team’s season began Nov. 8, will continue until Jan. 7 for Regionals, and continue if they advance to state. This year, with a brand new West Suburban Conference that includes almost every school in the area, Morrill hopes to have a successful season.

Previously, the teams conference had only three other teams in its informal Conference, Morrill said. This year will be their first with an official Conference, opening a new opportunity for an official Conference champion.

“I’ve been coaching baseball since 2005, and there is a huge difference between the sports, because with bowling, everyone practices together,” Morrill said. “Since we have every level together, I’ve learned the value of making it more of a family than just a team.” 

Morrill’s coaching style has had a significant impact on many players, including Junior Anthony Bonilla ‘27, who returns for his third season in a row. 

“I love the connections I make and the friends I have,” Bonilla said. “The season just started, but I have bright hopes for this year’s team.” 

The team’s record is 2-1. This year, they have a lot of underclassmen adding to the team. 

“This is my first year doing bowling,” Kellen Avants ‘29 said. “All of it has just been a great time, especially hanging out with my friends and all the fun practices. It has definitely taught me that consistency is key.”

With 12 sophomores and three new freshmen, underclassmen play a vital role, Morrill said.

“They are our building block into the future,” Morrill said. “We usually take eight kids for varsity, and this year, three of them were sophomores. We are rebuilding our lineup.” 

Morrill hopes to recruit even more kids to the program.

“Unfortunately, we have seen a decline in our enrollment; this is the first year we haven’t had to cut anyone,” Morrill said. “Bowling is usually passed down by parents and grandparents, but since LT isn’t a huge bowling community, we are not seeing as many kids come and try out.” 

The bowling team has a different approach to its team culture than most other sports. All levels practice together five days a week, compete on weekends, and spend Fridays at pasta parties in the Corral. 

“Every Friday we go to the Corral as a whole, and we talk not only about bowling but also important life lessons,” Morrill said.

There, they eat food and play fun games, Morrill said.

“It’s just another way that every week we get to build our team connection,” Morrill said. 

With dedicated coaches and players, the bowling team has had a successful season so far. They hope to go on to compete in State, Bonilla said.

“I always say part of my job is to make all of my athletes more responsible young adults,” Morrill said. “I try to incorporate that into bowling. My goal in life is that, at some point in time, as they’ve grown up, they can look back at some life lesson that I’ve helped provide.”