When a sports team starts a new season with a new head coach, it can be a difficult time.

    But for the Shores boys’ bowling team and new coach Greg Schmelling, it has been like bowling a 300 as the Sailors are 11-3 heading into the state tournament.

    "Our new coach is different than our old one was," senior Chris Dempsey said. "He has a different approach, he knows what he is doing, and he has helped us to win."

    Today and tomorrow, the team will compete at the MHSAA Regional tournament.

    "My goals for this year are to win the regional tournament and perform well at the state tournament," Dempsey said. "To me and my teammates, it seems to be a realistic goal that we have set for ourselves."

    In addition to the 11-3 record, the Sailors have participated in five tournaments where they have two first places, including a City championship (see related story to the right), two second places, and one fourth place.

    "This year has been out of this world for the bowling team," coach Schmelling said. "The goals that I set have been far exceeded."

    Having somebody to help while being a first-year coach is something that everybody needs.

    "Being a first-year coach you tend to lean on some people that have been through this before," coach Schmelling said. "I have had help whenever I have asked for it, from athletic director Ryan Portenga, athletic secretary Shelly Marine and from other coaches in the OK Black conference. They have all been great."

    As a first-year coach it is key to find the team leader.

    Coach Schmelling has found it in Dempsey, who is averaging a score of 218.

    Coach Schmelling said, "Not only does he have the skill and desire to be the best, he also passes it down to the underclassmen. He is a true team leader on and off the lanes."

    Dempsey has been part of the bowling team since his freshman year and has been bowling since he was 11.

    "I started to bowl because my grandpa and brother were both bowlers," Dempsey said. "Freshman year is when I really got into bowling and started to practice a lot."

    Other top bowlers include senior Brandon Baker, junior Nick Yadlosky, senior Lance Ryan, freshman Grant Gillard and junior Lucas Johnson.

    As the team heads into the tournament this weekend, they are looking to continue their success that they have had this season.

    "My goals for this year have changed from the beginning of the season," Dempsey said. "At first, I just wanted to do well in the regular season and in the conference. Now, my goals are to do well at the state tournament individually and as a team."