Memorable boys bowling season ends 8th at state
HUNTLEY — Led by an 11th place finish by Noah Waters, who was an all-state bowler, Huntley left the IHSA State Bowling Tournament as a top 10 team.
The Red Raiders concluded the season in eighth place Feb. 1, a one spot improvement from the first day at St. Clair Bowl in O’Fallon. Huntley’s final team score was 11,950 total pins. Waters, a sophomore, finished with 1,227 pins.
Seniors Austin Tenglin was next with 2,410 total for 53rd place; Matt Fishman ended with 2,377, 59th and Landen Conforti had 2,276 for 69th. Also, Nick Gaspari ended with 1,159 and Joe Humphrey 1,120.
Red Raiders head coach Jacob Wagner reflected on the HHS effort at the state tournament.
“The boys had a blast down in O’Fallon making memories and enjoying each other as well as friends from other teams,” Wagner said. “While down there Max Haggerty (Woodstock co-op, who finished 15th) was a suedo teammate as we rooted him on and he did the same for us while we both made it to day two. The boys had a great first day and the goal was to get to day two and be in the hunt. When we made it to day two we wanted to improve our standing. The day was filled with emotions. Every single bowler that was there for Huntley was supported by their parents and that in its self is something I am so proud of. The bowling community is embracing and really a family in itself. These boys are some of the most dedicated, hard-working, fun and they have no quit in them. Waters did qualify for All-State as a sophomore in a tight all state qualifier. He was on fire and really propelled the team on day one. He was locked in every shot and wanted to support his senior ‘brothers’. Every game there was a different leader in scoring and the boys really were on their grind.”
Wagner also noted the team’s top accomplishments.
“I knew going into the conference and then the post-season that this was a last ride for five out of our seven as they will be moving on in life after this school year and graduation,” Wagner said. “For a few of them this may be the last time they bowl in a setting like this, so making the memories that will last a lifetime has been one of the goals Jason Waters and I set when we started coaching the boys five years ago. This group of seniors has been down state twice, are back to back Fox Valley-Kishwaukee River Conference champions, first time day two state qualifiers in school history and have all raised their averages every single year.”
The team was led by five seniors.
“I could go on and on about captains Tenglin and Fishman, Conforti, Gaspari and Humphrey,” the coach said. “These boys will always be a part of the history being made in Huntley bowling and I think that will be the lasting memory from this trip. They never gave up on themselves and put so much trust in coach Waters and myself, all the way to the last ball they threw they were all in all four years and I am so proud and grateful to be a part of their history.”
HHS’s boys bowling leaders have already tabbed the new squad leader for next season, VanValkenburg.
“Next year we will have mostly a new group on our varsity and they will be led by Grant VanValkenburg who was appointed as team captain by senior captains Tenglin and Fishman during our post season run,” the coach said. “VanValkenburg is the true definition of hard work and continues to push to get better and better every single season. He is a leader to our youth and a guys coach Waters and I trust 100 percent with role of captain. We are so proud of these boys and all of their accomplishments and cannot wait to see what the future holds for all of them all as they continue the journey of life.”
