This year, the newly combined Utica and Eisenhower United bowling team made history by coming together as one strong, unstoppable force.

Their dedication, teamwork, and countless hours of practice paid off in an incredible way as they rose above the competition to claim the title of state champion.

It was a season to remember, marking the beginning of a powerful new era for the united team.

“I am beyond proud of these boys,” said coach Mark Harden. “They were amazing. They bowled great all day and to come out on top was a testament to their hard work during the season, their belief in our approach on how we were going to play the lanes, their belief in each other, and their ability to execute shots under pressure.  It's a moment that none of the boys will ever forget.”

Being a new united team, the schools worked together to combine bring players together to make up their varsity roster for the 2024-25 season. Which included Dylan Harnden, Kingston Corpuz, Marco Mazza, Evan Cicotte, Zachary Kukuk, Nolan Kukuk, Carson Walters who was brought up from the JV team to compete in Regionals and States.

Harden said that the merger of Utica and Ike team led to one new member, Marco Mazza, from Utica High School. 

“Marco brought energy and enthusiasm to this team which was infectious,” he said. That, combined with the leadership, character, and work ethic of our two returning Varsity starters, Dylan Harnden & Kingston Corpuz, allowed this team to gel and believe in one another that there was no goal that they couldn't accomplish together.”

Even though this team was a newly united team they continued to win. They were (6-2) in the Macomb Athletic Conference, where they finished second. Placed first at both the Cougar Classic & Bowl Swami tournaments and then went on to become MHSAA division one region four champions and then Division one State team champion.

“I believe that our team was so successful because we all because great listeners to not only one another but also our coach,” said Eisenhower senior Kingston Corpuz. “We are proud to have earned the championship. All season we worked hard, and all the experiences really paid off for us in the end.”