Campbell’s varsity team rolls behind John Michael Snitzer

John Michael Snitzer had a personal-best 243 during the first week of the high school season, but his mother wasn’t apprised of it until a few days later — from the newspaper carrier.

Granted, Patti Snitzer was busy with the emergency delivery of her daughter’s baby, but John Michael brought the Campbell varsity boys bowling team to life, too, with wins over Howland and Warren JFK.

“That was a rough week,” Patti Snitzer said. She found out from her paper carrier, Victor Harris, who is senior on the varsity bowling team.

Regardless, John Michael’s effort carried the Red Devils.

“He was the key to us winning both matches that week,” coach Phil Trgovac said.

“He shot 189 in the second regular game against Howland, then was clean [had strikes] in the Baker games, setting up two big doubles. Against JFK, John Michael’s 243 put us ahead and then he was clean again in his Baker game.”

Bakers consist of five individuals bowling two frames each per game.

Snitzer’s shyness is one reason the news was slow in reaching Patti and her husband, John.

“John Michael doesn’t come puffed up like some kids,” said his mother.

Another reason is Snitzer’s special-needs situation.

His Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder diagnoses have a bearing on his learning, but they don’t seem to be a handicap in sports.

“The ability is there, mentally challenged or not,” said Patti Snitzer said of her son, who has a 163 average.

“When it comes to sports, there isn’t that much of a disability, other than how he handles things. Some kids might be more mature than him, but his shot is as great as anyone else.”

Patti Snitzer cited an example of his difficulty with concentration.

“What may be easy for us — ignoring background noise — may not be for him. He hears everything. It’s difficult when he goes to the approach while kids are cheering other kids or he hears voices. The challenge is to not hear all that at one time. But he manages to work through it. He has to say, ‘OK, I’ve just got to worry about where I’m going to throw my ball.’ ”

On the other hand, John Michael is resilient.

“What makes him normal is that he has bad games, too, but he’ll come through when it counts,” said Patti.

The mother credits the effort of Marge Janosik of Bowladrome Lanes for John Michael’s good foundation in the sport.

“She’s the one who trained and critiqued my son and helped him find his mark,” Patti said. “My husband and I have instilled the every-frame-is-a-new-frame mindset, but we’re just re-enforcing Marge’s work.”

Snitzer joined the junior leagues at age 10, following his older sister, Alyssa.

He was tall for his age, so he gave it a try. At first, the kids were wondering why they inherited the newcomer. When John Michael threw a couple strikes his first time out, he witnessed a bit of a conversion.

“He’s been an asset to any team he’s ever been on,” Patti Snitzer said of her 17-year-old son, who also plays Special Olympics basketball.

Snitzer, a third-year varsity member, has shown that he’s a responsible individual.

“He could be challenging for a coach, but isn’t,” his mother said. “Phil knows John has the basics and gets up there and does his thing. He doesn’t wander off. He’s always there when it’s his turn. Phil has been able to direct him and re-direct him and John Michael is compliant.”

Jonathan Perry, a senior Vo-Tech student, has evolved to become John Michael’s on-lane companion.

“Perry has made a difference in my son’s life because he treats him like all the other kids,” Patti Snitzer said. “Jonathan is my son’s lookout.”

John Michael’s previous career high game was 226 as a junior league bowler at Bowladrome, where old pins are given to kids who have 200-or-better games.

“He has three rolling around under his bed,” his mother said.

John Michael handles daily life well because of Darlene Basista, a Special Ed teacher at Campbell.

“She’s had my son in her unit since freshman year,” Patti Snitzer said. “He’s better equipped to meet challenges. That’s what helps makes him the well-rounded individual he is.”

Mark Lias rolled 299-722 in Boardman Juniors.