Jack Novotney enters his sixth season as Marquette High School bowling coach with hope for a roster of 32 bowlers (19 boys, 13 girls) in the MHSprogram.

Boys

The Crusaders bring back six key returnees in Alex Reynolds, Michael Steege, Brian Moore, Brian Oakley and Josh Mangers.

Reynolds became the first MHSbowler to throw a 600 series — a 614, which included games of 199, 192 and 223, last season against La Salle-Peru — in a meet under Novotney.

"They should know what to expect when they go to meets," said Novotney of his returnees. "They need to learn to adjust and be consistent. We really need them to try to hit their mark and find that same mark, and if the lanes change as the game goes on, they've got to learn how to adjust."

A couple of newcomers to watch include senior Jim Hettel, who will assume the role of the Crusaders' No. 1 bowler this winter, and junior Niles Ragan.

"Jim's been doing very well," Novotney said. "He's already thrown a 600 (series in practice) and has a 225 high game. Niles has been pretty steady. So he could be a valuable asset joining the team."

The Crusaders will take part in Elmhurst Immaculate Conception Knight Invite on Dec.5 for the first time, and Novotney is hoping for a good showing from his team there.

Novotney also believes that a few of his bowlers have a shot as an at-large qualifier for the IHSAstate meet.

"If Jim Hettel gets hot and stays hot for six games ... If Alex Reynolds gets hot and stays hot for six games ... If Michael Steege gets hot and stays hot for six games ..."

The Crusaders open their season Dec. 3, hosting Streator at Dettore's West.

Girls

The key returner for the Lady Crusaders this winter is sophomore Allison Borisek.

"She bowled varsity all last year — she was our No. 1 or No. 2 as a freshman — and she'll be my top bowler this year," Novotney said.

"She's pretty advanced for a sophomore. ..."

Other key returnees include Catherine Rinearson, Sara Kabala, Anna Dekreon and Melissa George.

A newcomer to watch is freshman Pippy Pruitt.

"Pippy seems to take instruction well. I think if she sticks with it and works hard, she's going to be a decent bowler," Novotney said.

Two other ninth-graders of note include Chandler Majerus and Holly Raymond.

Novotney is hoping for another strong showing from his team at the Illinois Math and Science Academy Titan Invitational in North Aurora on Jan. 16. Last year, Marquette placed second in the team standings with Borisek finishing seventh individually.

Novotney believes if Borisek gets into a rhythm, she has a shot as an at-large qualifier for the IHSAstate meet.

"If Alli can have six games where she's on top of her game, who knows? I think at any time Alli is capable," Novotney said.

The Lady Crusaders open their season Tuesday, traveling to Mendota.