Penn College Keglers Hope for Continued Success

The Pennsylvania College of Technology bowling team is coming off a season during which it captured three state championships, and, with several keglers returning, coach Lisa Worth is hopeful of continued success. The Wildcats open their season at the Central Penn Tournament on Wednesday.

Returning women are Kelli Fazekas, a sophomore from Easton who is the defending Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association all-events title holder; Melisa Klees, a junior from Loyalsock Township; Janelle Badger, a sophomore from Lewisburg; and Rita Cole, a sophomore from Elmira (N.Y.) South Side. All but Cole were on the state-championship women's team, while Fazekas and Badger also teamed to win the women's doubles crown.

Returnees on the men's side are Jon Miglin (junior/North Warren, N.J.), Jason Tolley (sophomore/Twin Valley) and Jarrett Walter (sophomore/Selinsgrove).

Newcomers to the squad are freshmen Steve Eckman II (Williamsport), Tim McMahon (Williamsport), Paul Kenney (Northeast Bradford), James Wildrick (Philipsburg), Joe Ianaro (Clearfield), Stephen Frueh (Plum) and Sean Garczynski (Windber). During competition, Penn College will field three four-person teams ? one co-ed and two open. Starting on the co-ed squad in the season opener will be Tolley, McMann, Badger and Fazekas. One open team will be comprised of Garczynski, Wildrick, Eckman and Cole and the other by Miglin, Walter, Kenney and Klees. Frueh and Ianaro will start the season as alternates, but could work their way in among the starters.

Worth said that her top female bowlers average 180 to 200 and her top men 170 to 190.

"We're looking for a lot from the women," said Worth, who is in her seventh season as coach. "We should have two solid open teams also.

"We have a lot of high hopes because you basically start (the season) fresh and you really don't know what other schools' bowlers will be. Although we have four-year eligibility, there are a lot of new people every year," Worth added, pointing out that six to eight colleges are represented at each tournament with as many as 16 teams competing in the different categories.

Although it is still several months away, this year's state final will be held at Faxon Lanes in Loyalsock Township, where the Wildcats practice. Worth hopes it pays off with something special again.