Trojans

Continued from Page 17 back and making sure the kids know and are coached the fundamentals of the sport, that maybe had been forgotten in previous years, is a big step in improving,” Houtz said. “I also think implementing different practice techniques will help the kids further their game.”

But coach Houtz will also be leaning onto his veteran players to help with getting his system in place and helping the newcomers in the sport of bowling.

“It’s tough to say being so early in the season and having only had three practices so far,” Houtz said. “However, I will be looking to my returning athletes to be those leaders on the team especially to the new bowlers.”

Those veterans that the Mustangs will be relying on to carry the load for the team this year will be Kyle Beward, Matthew Kersteter, Paige Aucker and Ava Hoover.

“I think for me, being this is my first year with the team, I’m looking at some of the freshmen to make those big leaps throughout the season,” Houtz said.

“I also look to our veteran returners to make leaps in not only their individual games, but as leaders to the team as well.”

Looking ahead to the season competing in the Heartland Athletic Conference. Coach Houtz can’t pin point on one pacific team in the league that Midd-West look to overcome, but the conference itself is highly competitive.

“I don’t believe there was one individual opponent last year that gave the team trouble,” Houtz said. “I just think with our league being such a closeknit community that each team knows the competition out there and everyone has a team or individual in mind that they are motivated to be better than.”

One of the things that Midd-West will be focusing on throughout the season will be keeping the basics of the game.

“This year I have implemented new practice techniques as well as making sure the kids know and understand the more tech- nical parts of the game,” Houtz said.

But despite being his first season, coach Houtz still have high expectations and goals for this team coming into the year as Houtz looks to build a solid program and help get as many bowlers to the postseason as possible.

“I think for this year the team goals are to rebuild from losing several senior players from last year and hopefully get back to the postseason,” Houtz said. “For individuals, I think the goals are to build on and improve what each player accomplished last year and hopefully get more individuals to the post season as well.”

Midd-West Bowling

Head coach: Chris Houtz

Assistant: Laura Hartley

Last year’s record: Boys: (9.5-25.5); Girls: (30-5)

December 7, Huntingdon, 9-10, Southern Huntingdon Tip-off Tournament, 12, * at West Branch, 15, * Williamsburg, 19, * at Glendale, 22, * at Moshannon Valley, 27-28

Lions Christmas Tournament at Juniata

College.

January 6, * Juniata Valley, 9, * Bellwood-Antis, 10, at Penns Valley, 12, * at Curwensville, 16, Claysburg-Kimmel, 20, * West Branch, 24, * at Williamsburg, 27, * Glendale, 31, * Moshannon Valley.

February 3, * at Juniata Valley, 7, * at Bellwood-Antis, 10, * Curwensville.

ICC North Games *

Pictured is the Mifflin County bowling team, front row, from left, Marcus McConaughey, Addison DeArmnet, Zane Snyder, Olivia Decker, Dustin Dooley. Second row, assistant coach Chuck McConaughey, Khristian Mase, Andrea Ingram, Luke Grove, Morgan Diven, Dylan Aultz, head coach Kevin Diven.