JEFFERSON TWP — Knoch is becoming the latest high school to join the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League.

The team is being organized by Michelle Hindman and Matt Cimbala, parents of youth bowlers in the South Butler School District.

"Our kids are involved in junior bowling Saturday mornings at Family Bowlaway," Hindman said. "My son has interest in attaining a bowling scholarship and I thought his chances would be better if the high school had a team."

Kevin Hindman carries a 208 average at age 15. Cimbala's son, Dylan, averages about 165.

Cimbala is a member of the South Butler school board.

"Once we found out Butler had a team in the league, we became interested in the idea of Knoch getting one," Cimbala said.

Butler joined the WPIBL last season. The Golden Tornado's home lanes are Family Bowlaway. Knoch's will be the same.

Hindman and Cimbala met with Knoch athletic director Josh Shoop, who supported the idea. The school district won't provide funding for the team for two years, however.

"That's standard practice here for a new sport," Shoop said. "We need to take a wait-and-see approach to see if the program will sustain itself in terms of student interest.

"I love the idea, though. Bowling provides the opportunity for more kids to get involved in a sport who otherwise wouldn't be. We're always in favor of that," he added.

Tryout dates and times have not been posted for Knoch's team. Hindman said Tyler Hawk will be one of the coaches.

The student body has been given a survey to measure interest.

"We expect the interest to be there," Cimbala said.

The WPIBL season begins Dec. 8. Rosters must be submitted by mid-November.

"We know we have to get moving on this," Cimbala said. "We're organizing everything over the next couple of weeks, including forming a booster organization for fundraising."

The WPIBL had 45 boys and 40 girls varsity teams last season. The league had only six teams 10 years ago.

There are currently 37 colleges or universities offering bowling scholarships.

"Our application has to be in to the league by the end of September, and it will be," Hindman said. "We're hoping to get into the same division as Butler. We're anticipating that."

The WPIBL's North Division is comprised of Butler, Mars, Karns City, North Allegheny, North Hills and Shaler.