After overcoming the shutdown, bowling alley doors being shut and the season being postponed, high school bowlers finally returned to lanes for their adapted season. This season was very different for the bowlers who have bowled in previous years.

   “I loved getting back to practice for the first time and seeing my bowling family again,” said senior Caitlin Branscum.

   This season, there were no weekly tournaments as in previous years, and the biggest disappointment to the bowlers was that there was no State series.

   “Despite all the changes and challenges this season, I just made sure to stay positive, no matter what,” said Job Salberg, sophomore.

   Boys and Girls teams had different outcomes this season. For the boys, this was a learning-as-a-team season. They finished tying for eighth place, finishing with a record of two and seven. For the girls, this season was building on what they accomplished last year. They ended up finishing fifth in the conference with a five and four record.

   “Despite how we finished as a team, I saw myself improve as a leader and a coaching figure this season,” said Kyle Albrecht, senior.

   Guilford entered sophomores Devan Skridla, LeAnn Severson and senior Elli Cabello in the Illinois Bowling Proprietor High School State Tournament and all three of them qualified for the tournament in June. Along with qualifying for the tournament this summer, Skridla, Severson and Cabello also made it to the top 16 bowlers in the conference.

   “I’m pretty excited and of course nervous, but the bowling alley we’re going to has plenty of room for us to spread out, so that makes me feel comfortable,” said senior Elli Cabello.

   Next year may end up being a rebuilding year for the bowling program as they are losing eight seniors who played a key role in their team’s successes this season.