BUTLER TWP — The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League (WPIBL) begins its 2016-17 season Wednesday and Butler figures to pick up where it left off.

The Golden Tornado have been one of the dominant programs in the league since the program’s inception.

“That tradition definitely helps us,” fourth-year Butler coach Bob Cupp said. “We walk into a (bowling) house and there’s an intimidation factor.”

The Tornado compete in Section 2 with Knoch, Seneca Valley, Mars, North Allegheny and Shaler. Karns City is not fielding a team this season.

Butler’s boys finished fourth at the state tournament last year while the girls finshed 10th. The Tornado’s Ashley McCue won the individual region championship as a sophomore a year ago.

“That should do wonders for her confidence,” Cupp said. “Ashley saw what she’s capable of doing.”

Butler does not have a senior in its starting lineup on the girls side. Juniors McCue (181 average), Mercedes Belch (165), Nicole Nebel (165), Abby Kile (145) and sophomore Jordyn Graham (157) have a grip on the starting spots.

“We lost a lot of seniors from the year before and the experience these girls got from last year was invaluable. They tasted success and can build on it,” Cupp said.

Butler’s boys are buoyed by senior Nick Huff, an All-WPIBL performer with a 214 average from last year. Junior Shawn Marcellus carried a 192 and sophomore Jordan Reges a 178.

Chris Huff, a freshman, will add more ability to that group.

“He is very talented. He led our nine-game qualifying tournament in preseason with a 196 average,” Cupp said.

Competition for the other starting spot will come from juniors Zac Twentier and Ed Augustine, sophomores Brad Shirley, Cole Thrash and Trey Barto.

“Shawn and Nick are our anchors and our younger guys are looking very solid,” Cupp said.

Knoch’s boys, coached by Nick Cooter, has solid anchors of its own. Junior Bryan Hindman had a 194 average a year ago and Dylan McCommon a 178, but neither has returned to the Knights this season. Still, Knoch has seniors Derek McGill (180), Andrew Olczak and Josh Rearick.

The latter two are averaging close to 170.

“Any one of the three could go 220 or better on any given night,” Cooter said. “Our boys are capable of having a strong year.”

Steve Kamer, a junior, and senior Chase Matsko round out Knoch’s boys lineup. Kamer has never bowled before this year.

“He had never picked up a bowling ball and he’s in our starting lineup. But I love his potential,” Cooter said.

Chelsea Cimbala, a senior, is the Knights’ top female bowler with a 159 average. The Knights only have three other girls in seniors Danielle Rolewski, Mackenzie Huggins and Haley Rearick.

“Chelsea has been rolling around 200 and has a chance to go to states,” Cooter said. “She’s bowled in all kinds of big tournaments. Our other girls haven’t been in highly competitive bowling, so there’s a learning curve there.”

Seneca Valley’s boys are led by a trio of seniors in Derek Weaver (171), Tyler Preininger (170) and Brady McBrien (159). Senior Samantha Weber (156), junior Sierra Koerbel (145) and sophomore Madde Ferringer (144) lead the Raider girls.

Terry Cochran returns as Seneca Valley coach.

Ralph Jockel is in his fifth year as Mars coach and has 12 bowlers — six boys, six girls — on his roster.

“Most of our kids are underclassmen who are still developing in the sport,” Jockel said. “But our girls have a chance to do well.”

Alison Bruce, a senior, averaged 184 for the Planets last year and led the section. Hali Hartley, another senior, averaged 165. A third senior, Nicole Blythe, returns after spending a year as a foreign exchange student.

“She was averaging in the 160’s when she left,” Jockel said. “We’ll have to see how she comes along this year.”

Mars will host Butler at Mars Lanes while Seneca Valley takes on Knoch at Family Bowlaway to begin the season Wednesday.