Johnson Bowlers Win Group 1 State Championship After 28 Years

This release was submitted by the Clark School District.

The Johnson Bowling Team is dusting off the old 1985 banner and making room for the new Group 1 State Championship banner! Yes, it’s been 28 years since a bowling team brought home a Group Title.

Johnson took the lead after the 1st game and never looked back. They beat the 2nd place team Lyndhurst by 221 pins.

Junior Bobby Weisensee led the way with a 693 series for the day.  Junior Steven Kotowski had the team high game with a 255 and a 661 series and Senior Vincent DiGeronimo wasn’t far behind with a 623 series.  Junior Tom Malanga came into the match and threw two 226 games for the cause.

Senior Captain Dan Levitz said, “I’m honored to have led such a talented group of guys to a title that Johnson hasn’t achieved in decades.  Right from the start we had the confidence and determination to go all the way.

This year Johnson also won the Watchung Conference, the Union County Championship, and the Group 2 Sectional State Tournament for a “three-peat” performance.  Johnson was also ranked #6 in the Star Ledger’s Top 20 poll.

Coach Michele Zaleski said, “Winning the State Tournament is a moment that athletes and coaches dream about and to have it actualized is an amazing feeling. I am so proud of each and everyone of them.”