Austin Moreton is the offensive line coach and run game coordinator for the two-time defending state champion Bulldogs, and like all of Greenwood’s football coaches, has worked overtime since last summer to win another state title, the twelfth in school history. But the young coach didn’t have much time to unwind after football season ended because he is also the head coach for the two GHS bowling teams. He is ably assisted by Barbara Brown, who manages the teams in the early going until Moreton’s gridiron duties are done.
The Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs competed in ten matches during the regular season, which just ended, and both squads excelled on the lanes. Coach Moreton recently reviewed their performance days before both teams head into the postseason conference and state tournaments. The 5A West league tournament will be held next Wednesday, February 5th at Fast Lanes in Lowell. Should they qualify, GHS team members will travel to Cabot the following Wednesday at Cabot. Last season the Bulldogs qualified for state as a team along with two individual Lady Bulldogs. In 2024 the GHS boys finished third in the conference tournament and fifth at state. The top five teams among the 10 schools in the 5A West will go to state, both girls and boys.
“The Greenwood bowling teams wrapped up an impressive regular season,” said Moreton. The Lady Bulldogs finished with a 9-1 record while the Bulldogs rolled their way to an 8-2 mark. “The girls only loss was their first game of the season against Lamar, who they beat later in a rematch. The girls continued to get better each week,” added the coach. “The guys’ only setbacks came at the hands of the reigning 6A state champions, Fort Smith Southside, and both matches were separated by less than 64 pins. Despite those two losses, the boys have demonstrated a commitment to improving with each game.
“With the regular season behind them, both teams are gearing up for the upcoming conference and state tournaments,” Moreton continued. "Both teams have impressed this winter. You can tell they have put in the time and effort to take the necessary steps to improve this season. Coach Barbara Brown and I are excited for the postseason tournaments after the regular season showing we had."
Moreton and Brown have six seniors this season, two girls and four boys. They are Brianna Wilson, Ally Thomas, Will Hutcherson, Nate Garvin, Eric Holmes, and Isaiah Dollarhyde. That kind of experience has clearly contributed to Greenwood’s success this season. There are 15 bowlers altogether, eight boys and seven ladies.
Among the Lady Bulldogs, Lorelai Graham leads with a 149 season average, followed by Brianna Wilson at 131. Raylee Wagoner scored an average of 125 pins per match with Lily Johnson right behind at 123. Next is Ally Thomas at 106, Julia Witherington at 104, and Janie Witherington at 81.
For the Bulldogs, Dylan Nicholson leads the way with a 199 average, just ahead of Parker Pierce at 198. Will Hutchinson is third with a 189 average and Nate Garvin comes in at 175. Eric Holmes is next at 170 while Isaiah Dollarhyde averages 153 pins per match. Lastly, Peyton Doss has rolled a 151 average this season while Thomas Veatch bowled a 141 in limited action.
In the regular season, the GHS boys defeated Lamar, Van Buren, and Alma twice each, plus wins over Siloam Springs and Elkins besides their two close losses to Fort Smith Southside. The Bulldogs averaged 2,527 pins per outing. The Lady Bulldogs lost to Lamar in their season opener then rolled their way to eight consecutive victories over Van Buren (2), Southside (2), Alma (2), and single wins over Siloam Springs, Lamar, and Elkins. The GHS ladies averaged 1660 pins per match.