The Alley Cats have started off the season strong, and continue to improve as the calendar approaches Christmas.
Here is how the Wildcats keglers fared over the weekend, courtesy of head bowling coach Jim Viets:
"On Saturday the Varsity team welcomed newcomers Senior Kevin Ward and Sophmore Alex Gehrlein to their varsity match. Unfortunately the Tigers from Cleveland Heights were unable to bowl Saturday, which gave the Wildcats the forfeit victory. Kevin established his average at 163 and tossed a very nice 181 game. Alex continues to show steady improvement as he threw a 165 game. Devin Venczel stayed hot as he threw a 209 for a 597 series. The easy victory kept the Alley Cats in first place in the scratch division and at least tied for second in the other three standings.
"In JV action. The junior Alley Cats continued to fight as they try to get back into contention. The Bruins from Padua had other ideas as they knocked off the Wildcats. Freshman Alex Madeja and Noah Virant remained consistent as they both bowled their averages of 106 and 104 respectively.
"On Sunday the Widcats were in action at Buckeye Lanes for the North Olmsted "Eagle Challenge". The tournament consisted of 26 teams from all over Northeast Ohio. Teams like Austintown Finch, Fairport Harbor, Ashland High School, Mentor, Brunswick, St. Ed's and Struthers were a few of the stronger teams there on Saturday. Led by Junior Anthony Doran 232, 623 series, Sophmore Vinny Doran 228, 622 series, Senior Nick Frank 243, 620 series and Senior Devin Venczel 209, 569 series, the Wildcats finished a very respectable 4th in one of the biggest tournaments in the area. Anthony, Vinny and Nick finished 6th, 7th and 8th out of 130 bowlers for high series. The Wildcats were leading the tournament after the second game by over 40 pins but lost out during the baker games. Finishing ahead of the Wildcats were Tounament winner Struthers High School, followed by Brunswick High School and then Mentor High School.
"The Alley Cats will return to action this weekend, at Cloverleaf Lanes, as they square off against Olmsted Falls on Saturday and then travel to Wickliffe on Sunday for the Mentor Tournament."