Just four days into the New Year, EHS bowlers were back on the lanes at St. Clair Bowl in Fairview Heights.  The Tigers were one of 37 teams competing in the Panther Invitational hosted by O’Fallon Township High School.

According to the Belleville News Democrat, the O’Fallon Panthers finished third overall, trailing Rockton Hononegah and Rockford Guilford.

Aside from the final standings, the highlight of the tournament came from senior Cody Donoho of Salem High School.  Donoho bowled nearly a perfect game, with a score of 299.  Spectators from almost every school were cheering on Donoho as he walked away from the last frame.

Although EHS did not place in this tournament, senior Ben Paolucci is very hopeful.  Paloucci is a varsity bowler for EHS, and has bowled with the Tigers since his freshman year.  “I think [the tournament] went well,” Paolucci said. “We’ve lost seniors every year since I’ve been here and we’ve been at the same level the whole time.”

Even though the Tigers didn’t finish on top, Paolucci wasn’t too upset with the Tigers’ outcome. “I think we went out and did our best, and I was happy with the results because we competed with everyone.”

According to EHS bowling coach Craig Ohlau, the Panther Invitational is one of the most competitive tournaments the Tigers compete in. “Some of the best schools from up north make their way down, combined with the Southwestern Conference schools and the other surrounding conferences makes for great competition,” Ohlau said.

Like Paolucci, Mr. Ohlau is quite optimistic about the team.  “We as coaches want our guys to improve throughout the entire season, culminating in a strong postseason performance,” Ohlau said.  “We emphasize working hard, owning your own game, doing the best you can, and having fun.   If you do all of those, you will be a success no matter where the pins fall.”­­­­­­­­