Dakota bowling program eyeing successful seasons

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — It’s a great time to be a part of Macomb Dakota’s bowling program after the success both the girls and boys teams have achieved.

Dakota’s bowling program has always had a winning culture, and the 2023 season provides a championship-winning mentality for both teams.

Dakota High School bowling coach Paul Price, who was named 2022 Division 1 girls Coach of the Year according to Michigan High School Interscholastic Bowling Coaches Association, said the senior leadership has played a key role in developing a winning mentality.

“Culture is a really big thing for us. We try to help them remember what it’s like when they were freshmen being uncomfortable,” Price said. “The older ones know that and help the younger ones, and I think that’s on both sides.”

Dakota featured both teams in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 bowling state tournament and will look to continue that trend behind a core of returning starters on each side.

 

Dakota girls bowling
Dakota exceeded all expectations in 2022, winning the MHSAA Division I title for the first time since 2015 and the Macomb Area Conference Red Division league title.

The 2022 season provided question marks across the board for Dakota due to departing seniors, and Price said this year tells a similar story.

“We didn’t think last year we’d be able to get where we got last year, but everyone just stepped up,” Price said. “This year is kind of the same story. I don’t know how the expectation can be high losing four collegiate bowlers over the last two years.”

Led by junior Haylie Patterson and senior Riley Brownrigg, Dakota will look to fill the void of Jillian Lipinski, who totaled the second-highest score for Dakota at the state finals last season.

Patterson led all bowlers with a score of 223 against Davison in the state championship and will look to return as an experienced leader.

“She’s (Patterson) someone who has put the time in over the summer to get her game up, and she’s looking really good. It’s going to be a good season for her,” Price said.

Alongside Patterson will be 2022 first team All-State honoree, senior Alexa Hardester, and freshman Alexis Gurd.

Gurd is a wildcard for the experienced Dakota group but earned high praise from Price.

“To be honest with you, only the really special ones will make our team as a freshman for all four years,” Price said.

 

Dakota boys bowling
In the midst of a rebuild, the boys’ team still managed to finish sixth in the MHSAA Division I state tournament.

Carrying the momentum of a successful year and an experienced group into 2023, the expectations are at an all-time high.

“It’s a state championship or bust in my opinion,” Price said. “We are loaded, we’re prepared, and we’re just ready to go.”

The motivated group is led by a 2022 first team All-State honoree, senior Connor Rogus.

Rogus, who is a four-year starter for Dakota, said the group will only be stronger after last season.

“I know, speaking from me, I’ve lost three times at states,” Rogus said. “That’s really fueled the fire and makes us want to win more.”

Dakota last won the state championship on the boys’ side in 2011 and 2012 and had a runner-up finish in 2021.

Senior Dylan Maurer will anchor the veteran leadership alongside Rogus. Both bowlers were the top two scorers for Dakota in their runner-up finish in 2021.

“I feel like they’re both doing a good job of bringing in the younger ones and bringing everyone to an even keel,” Price said.

Junior Ryan Denyes will be a key contributor, as well, for Dakota, and Price said he’s taken significant strides to reach his current state.

“He has worked his tail off all summer,” Price said. “He’s made a complete improvement. He’s a name that not a lot know now, but a lot will know by the end of the season.”

If Dakota can return to form this season with its senior leaders at the helm, the school’s bowling program may have another state bowling championship in its sights.

Price said there will be one significant factor behind the team’s success this year.

“I think that’s part of the reason why I feel the expectation is what it is because they’re a group that supports and feeds off each other,” Price said.