2 seniors lead bowlers

Seniors Rachel Porzilli and Mackenzie Genung are captains of the Newton High School bowling team this season, and both had hoped to see the team make the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) tournament.

The Braves did make it to States, although they lost to Old Tappan, 2-0, in the first round of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 2 tournament Feb. 12.

The team’s overall record is 13-5 and it is in third place in the Northern Division of the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC).

“Mackenzie has been a part of the program for all four years and Rachel has been in the program for three years,’’ head coach John Zwitkowits said. “Rachel has placed second in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament for high game. She also placed second for high series and high game in the Falcon Frenzy.’’

Both student athletes are outstanding in the classroom.

“Mackenzie is in the National Honor Society (vice president of communications) and she is also in the French National Honor Society,’’ Zwitkowits said. “She is the Class of 2024 class president and has been on the honor roll every marking period.

“Rachel has also been on honor roll and is heavily involved with the robotics team. These two ladies are about the team and put the team first.’’

Genung began her career as a competitive bowler in high school.

“I basically grew up at Circle Lanes in Ledgewood,’’ she said. “My father is a bowler and his father as well. I grew up around the sport, and I can happily say it is the only sport I have truly connected with.

“Naturally, when I compete and I don’t do too well, I get frustrated. However, I would like to think that I keep my spirits up to continue encouraging my team. I would love to improve my overall final score, but definitely something I have struggled with is my form and my arm positioning and I would love to be able to keep my arm in and my head down.’’

Genung had personal and team goals this winter.

“Before the season is over, I really would like to bowl a 200,’’ she said recently. “This year, I really want my team to make it to States and to place.”

She listed her parents, and best friend, Jazira Faines, as positive influences.

“Growing up in a bowling alley really affected the way I looked at the sport, and I really looked to my father to help me and coach me as I grew up. Now my mother and my best friend are my biggest supporters, and I could not thank them more for believing in me.’’

Porzilli began bowling at age 15 at the coach’s suggestion.

Her strengths are her enthusiasm, competitiveness and determination, she said.

“I want to make individual States to break my high game of 242 and see the team make it to States and see everyone improve.

“My coaches, John Zwitkowits and Paul Kays, have been the best coaches in my career and I don’t know what I would do without them. They have made me a better person and helped me strive at what I like to do most.’’

Several bowlers have contributed to the team this year.

“It wouldn’t be right not to mention all my sophomores,’’ Zwitkowits said. “They’ve done an outstanding job and are working very hard to take this team to the next level: Brad Williams, Devlin Schmid, Sal Serillo, Cera Steinwand and Lukas Straub.’’