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Kuberski keeps YSU bowling rolling
By Greg Gulas
BEAVER TOWNSHIP
When Doug Kuberski assumed the reigns of the Youngstown State women’s bowling program on Dec. 5, he knew he was inheriting a Top-25 team nationally that competed in arguably the toughest bowling league, the Southland Conference.
Speaking to the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s weekly meeting at Avion Banquet Center, Kuberski credited former coach Chelsea Gilliam for laying a solid foundation while calling attention to her recruiting efforts.
“I knew how fortunate I was to inherit the squad that I inherited, and it was all because of Chelsea,” Kuberski said. “She did an excellent job recruiting and bringing great young ladies into the program. They are women that you want to go to battle with.”
Gilliam left to become the head women’s bowling coach at Bethune-Cookman with Clint Daley serving as interim coach during the transition.
The Penguins play a split schedule, participating in five tournaments during October and November and five more, including the Southland Bowling League championship from January to March.
The team went 49-51 overall, was ranked as high as No. 24 overall nationally while under Kuberski, they posted a 28-25 mark with wins over eight teams ranked in the Top-10 at the time.
“I had a good feeling about this group right from the start and for me, it was a fantastic first year,” he said. “The women put in a lot of work and have a lot of respect for one another. We had a few bumps but continued to grow.
“We‘ll take a few weeks off now and they’ll work on their games individually before heading back to campus in the fall. We have some very ambitious goals for next season.”
At the time of their ranking, the team posted wins over top-ranked McKendree University, No. 3 Nebraska, No. 5 Sam Houston State, No. 6 Maryland-Eastern Shore, No. 7 North Carolina A&T, No. 8 Fairleigh Dickinson, No. 9 St. Francis (Pennsylvania) University and No. 10 Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Kuberski will lose just one senior off this year’s team, Rachel Ellis, but must also replace junior Emily Dietz who is a student in the medical field and will serve an internship at a Toledo hospital.
“Rachel and Emily have helped build this program,” Kuberski said. “Rachel is a team leader, averaged over 190 the last half of the season and was part of our club program before our first NCAA season in 2016-17. Emily has a unique release and while we are going to miss her, we are happy for her internship because it is at the No. 1 medical facility in her field.”
Rachel Darrow (187.02 average), Ashley Kolb (183.29) and Nikki Mendez (189.40 are three juniors returning for their final season.
“Rachel is a part of Chelsea’s original recruiting class and after a hip injury two years ago, is showing how dangerous she can be,” Kuberski said.
“Ashley is the only southpaw on the team and a player who when she strikes, can throw strikes for days. Nikki is the definition of a bowler with great bowling instincts. She had a big second semester and is a great lead-off bowler who sets the tone for us.”
Two sophomores, team anchor Emma Dockery (189.00) of nearby Ravenna and Julia Helke are back while three freshmen, Alexis Sullivan (178.33), Sierra Sadler and Emma Wasielewski are set for their second varsity season.
“We’re still working on next year’s schedule and it is our hope to host our first ever tournament, preferably with 12 teams,” Kuberski said.
“We have three players already signed for next season. We’re all aware of team chemistry and while you want to recruit the best bowler, you want that person to mesh with the culture we continue to build and enhance.”
Current Kuberski recruits include Megan Grams of Michigan City, Indiana, Emma Wrenn or Arlington Heights, Illinois and Alicia Yacono of Canton. Wrenn is a transfer from St. Francis University and will be a sophomore while Grams and Yacono are true freshmen.
Next week, Vince Kehres, University of Mount Union head football coach will serve as guest speaker.