After a slow start to the season, both bowling teams finished the season in the final four. The Spartans won the league championship while Maroon finished in 4th place.

“This win speaks volumes about De Smet’s bowling program,” Sophomore Kai McKenzie said. “Being able to win the league championship shows our rapid improvement and our ability to adjust and overcome difficulties.”

The Spartans took down Marquette in the championship. The five bowlers tallied 18 strikes and three spares in the final three frames.

“It was a great feeling when you realize you have locked up the Championship and they cannot catch you,” Head Coach Brian Fenili said. “The best part of the game was watching my bowlers and the excitement they were displaying. It was the loudest I had ever heard one of my teams.”

McKenzie and senior Charlie Frein led the way throughout the season, with Frein averaging a 194 and McKenzie averaging a 198.

“Charlie was the foundation of the team. His level-headed approach, leadership, and consistency kept the team afloat throughout the season when things became challenging,” Bowling Coach Justin Kennedy ‘21 said. “Kai is the future of De Smet bowling, and the future is bright. His ability to listen, adapt, coupled with his natural talent, is going to take him as far as he wants to go in the sport.”

Senior Ethan Deelo averaged a 168, but against Marquette, he led the way, bowling a 233.

“The most memorable part of the championship,” McKenzie said. “Was when Ethan Deelo bowled his specialty turkey in the 8th-10th frames right when the score got close.”

The Spartans entered the first half of the season in 10th place, while Maroon sat in 5th. By the end of the season, the Spartans finished 1st and the Maroon finished 2nd in the standings.

“Our upperclassmen did a great job leading the team not just with their words, but through their actions,” Thomas said. “They consistently showed up for practice, were receptive to various drills, and acted as sponges for new information.”