Cranford Bowlers to Take On Local Rivals

After finishing a more than respectable fourth in the Mountain Valley Conference last year, the Cranford bowling team will be aiming to make some noise in the newly formed Union County Conference.

This season's young team lost their top two bowlers from 2008. Still, the future looks bright, with 13 bowlers trying out for both varsity and junior varsity squads this year, leaving head coach Richard Goldstein hopeful for many strikes and spares to come.

"This year we're rebuilding. I have two top bowlers right now, Christopher Juliano and Michael Milwicz, both averaging around 185."

Goldstein will also be counting on Scott Belmont, Jason Fried, Thane Vollbrecht and Tim Coda. While five bowlers roll on varsity, he'll keep a sixth man in the varsity rotation to help gain that all-important experience.

"Our goals for this year is to make it to states, and to hopefully finish top five in the conference," said Goldstein.

Last season, the Cougars had a solid season with a total of 67 wins and 29 losses, at one point tying for third in their division. They qualified for the state tournament, but missed advancing by 100 pins.

Co-captain Ryan Albert bowled all four years, ending with an average of 160. while placing in the top ten of the conference during numerous matches. Rocky Poszyler was also a four-year varsity starter and finished with a 181 average, making the all-conference team for three years, with multiple series highs of 600. He was also named athlete of the week and placed in top ten in the division.

But the attention this year will be on a talented pair of juniors, Chris Juliano and Michael Milwicz, who both made an impact as sophomores. Juliano has been working hard in the off-season looking to make his mark this year.

"He's actually the team captain this year," said Coach Goldstein. He has his heart in the right spot. He's a dedicated individual, he puts forth 110 percent effort every time. He always tries to improve his game. He's very sociable and outgoing and tries to motivate the team."

Meanwhile, Milwicz continues to improve his game with hard work in the off-season, which has Goldstein going into the new campaign with confidence.

"Milwicz has a very good average. He bowls on the weekend as well. He puts forth a very good effort. He always tries to improve his game. They're both going to be advancing next year. I'm expecting high things from them both this year and next year."

Goldstein, in his third year as varsity bowling coach, also coaches junior varsity boy's and girl's tennis in the spring and fall respectively. He knows his team is looking forward to taking on the traditional rivals while hoping to upset the applecart along the way.

"This year it's going to be Roselle Catholic, Governor Livingston, Westfield. Those will be our top three," he said. "We absolutely would love to beat Westfield. They have three varsity teams. And they're fantastic. Roselle Catholic would be a nice beat, but if we beat Westfield, it would be a home run for us. I think that would be a home run for any team if anyone can beat them this year."

The Cougars will face Roselle Catholic at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday December 9, and Westfield on Monday December 21 at 4:00 p.m.

All matches this year will take place at Jersey Lanes in Linden, where the Cougars look to strike up a big season.