Edison boys having a turnaround season
BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer
What a difference a yearmakes. Last year's Edison High School boys bowling team squeaked out nine wins to finish 9-8-3 on the season. Entering thisweek's action, the newand improvedEagles are 10-4-1 and fresh off an eighth-place finish over the weekend at the Joe Romer Memorial Tournament held at Brunswick Zone in North Brunswick.

Much of the team's turnaround can be attributed to senior leadership. Upperclassmen Steve Loriot and Brian Szpond have helped bring the younger bowlers into the fold, which hasmade a 20-win season a possibility.

"Steve has improved his average to 208 this season and has a high series of 745," Smith said. "He has regained some confidence after struggling a bit early on in the year."

Loriot gained some local fame when he bowled a 299 game last season. One of the team's silent leaders, Loriot provides nice balance with the team's other elder statesman, Szpond.

"Brian is a third-year bowler for us and is currently averaging 182," Smith said. "He's another great leader for the younger guys on the team."

Junior and first-time bowler Craig Leopold has been a welcome addition to the teamwith his 200.7 average.

"Craig took fourth in the county this year and bowled a 300 in the GMC finals," Smith said. "I have to double check, but itmight be the first 300 game in school history. Craig is a very coachable kid and he tries to avoid what the kids joke is my 'evil eye.' Craig is also one of themost sarcastic and funny kids I've been around."

Juniors Shawn Zwonar and Joe Young have also been key contributors to the team's success this season. Zwonar is averaging 189 after getting off to a slow start.

"We changed Shawn's arm position and nowhe's less of a cranker and amore consistent bowler who is hitting his mark," Smith said. "Joe is injured at the moment, and we're hoping to have himback by the first of themonth."

Sophomore Dan Eremias has been the high-spirited and vocal leader on this year's Eagle team. Eremias currently holds a 217 average.

"Dan has the top average on the team," Smith said. "He helps get everybody fired up because he's loud and outspoken."

Apair of freshman newcomers have been a welcome addition. James Lang and Cory Cigas are major reasons the Eagles already havemore wins than all of last season.

"We've shown big improvement and have the potential to finish with 20 wins when all is said and done," Smith said. "We go against Piscataway this week, and they have some very good bowlers. It should be a nicematchup for us."