Antioch youths are pin-ball wizards

Based on what is happening in the Youth League at Antioch Lanes, you have to think that Antioch and Lakes -- the two high schools in the area -- need to start thinking in terms of adding the sport of boys bowling to their athletic programs.

Here are some reasons why:

  *Competing in the age 12-over division of the Youth League, Josh Gall rolled a 246 game and 574 series last weekend. But here's the important thing about him. He was the singles champion in Division 3 at the USBC-sanctioned Youth National Tournament over the summer in Indianapolis.

  *Bowling in the 11-under age division of the Youth League, Justin Knowles -- a 127-average bowler -- rolled 220-176-104--500 last weekend. This was his first 200 game and firsts 500 series ... the kid is 10 YEARS OLD.

  *In the age 12-over division, 14-year-old Ryan Reitmayer bowled 257-234-229--720. He's also the youngest known bowler in the U.S. to roll a perfect game in a Sport League (pro-type lane conditions, not suitable for easy/high scoring). He rolled his perfect game last July while competing in a Child/Adult Sport League at Johnsburg Bowl in McHenry County. Currently, he's averaging 208 and his high career series is 808.

  *One of the league's girls, Symantha Rolfh rolled a 250 game and 640 series. She will be honored as a Star of Tomorrow at the Lake County Bowling Association's Hall of Fame dinner.

  *Anthony Kopp rolled a 543 series. He won the Prep Division of the Lake County Bowling Assocation Scholarship Tournament that was held last month.

As for other high scores rolled recently in league play, here are some of them:

  *Alyssa Alvarez 656, Ryan Reitmayer 653, Allyson Mathias 578, David Sapiega 554, Cam Rodgers 223 game and 588 series.

"As you can see, we have very talented bowlers at Antioch Bowling Lanes and are very proud of their accomplishments," said Sue Hallwas, youth director.