Last year, amid COVID-19 restrictions, ETHS boys’ bowling meets were strictly virtual— athletes literally competed in different rooms from their opponents. Although a less than ideal situation, many used this experience to their advantage. 

“[It] was a lot more laid back than being in-person and having to see your opponent face to face,” sophomore and varsity bowler Peter Swanson explains. “It was definitely less of a challenge when bowling on lanes we are used to, [instead of] lanes that we need to adjust to quickly.”

Now, fully in-person, the team has had to adapt to this more “normal” way of competing. Thus far, Evanston has attained a 7-2 record with notable wins against Deerfield (3,236-3,071), Niles West (3,137-2,048), Glenbrook North (3,516-3,379), Waukegan (2,903-2,871), New Trier (3,354-3,124), and Niles West (3,113-2,533). Unfortunately, the team fell short to Stevenson (3,561-3,435) on Nov. 15 and Vernon Hills on Dec. 7 (3625-3170)

Swanson reflects on the hard work that went into the squad’s early successes. 

“[We’re] definitely remaining positive throughout the matches, even when our scores aren’t the best,” Swanson says. “Another thing is practice, one hundred percent. Practice is probably number one on the list so that the season is a success.”

In terms of tournaments, the Kits made their debut this season at the Glenbrook North Spartan Eliminator on Nov. 6; the team finished 4th overall, and senior Justin Davis placed 30th individually. More recently, on Nov. 20 at the Mustang Invitational, the team finished third out of 14 teams, and on Dec. 4 at the Cougar Classic, Evanston placed 4th out of 22 teams. There, senior John Leiborth finished eighth individually out of a field of 112. 

Looking ahead, the team has a lot planned to help propel them forward. 

“I think the obvious goal is to win the state championship, but even trying to get to state is an accomplishment as well,” Swanson remarks. “You can learn from seeing how other teams play, and take that back for next year.”

As the team continues to exceed expectations at duals and tournaments, Evanston moves closer and closer to a state championship win. In turn, this season is shaping up to be one of their most triumphant yet.