It’s only year two, but it’s a pretty safe bet that the marriage of bowling and the Kansas High School Activities Assn. will last awhile.

After 29 schools fielded boys and girls teams last winter, the number has grown to 43 for the 2006 season.

“The real positive of bowling is that it involves students that typically aren’t involved in other activities. It gives them an outlet,” said Lawrence High coach Greg Farley. “They really do take a great deal of pride in being involved in the team.”

As far as LHS and Free State are concerned, the only drawback to the larger field will be the tougher road that now lies ahead in the drive for postseason glory.

Four teams from each of four regionals advanced to the inaugural state tournament, with the Free State boys and girls and LHS girls advancing.

Free State's bowling team is counting on Melissa Burnside, at left, and Kenny Altman. The bowling season for both city squads begins today.

This winter, only three teams move on from each regional.

New Firebirds coach Anita Carlson isn’t swayed by the stiffer odds. Last year’s boys team finished 10th at state, and many of the same cogs are in place for her rookie season.

At the top of the lineup are the seasoned trio of seniors Michael Herschell and Tyler Bradshaw and junior Kenny Altman, each of whom consistently has shot around 190 during preseason practice.

“The men’s squad is really looking promising. Our top bowlers are showing up really well,” Carlson said. “We’re looking at a state berth. I’m looking to improve from last year, and, realistically, I think they have a shot at finishing in the top five.”

Just making it to state is the goal for the Free State girls, who will need a host of newcomers to mesh with senior Lindsay Vannicola and junior Melissa Burnside.

LHS's bowling team will turn to Shawn Jimboy, at left, and Duquesne Sprow this year. The bowling season for both city squads begins today.

“I really feel we will be a force to be reckoned with,” Carlson said. “I think we’re going to surprise some people.”

There shouldn’t be any surprises for the LHS girls, where Farley welcomes back Tiffany Demaline, who won last year’s state title by rolling a 733 series – a number so strong it would have earned her a fourth-place finish in the boys field.

“And she did all that as a freshman. She’s the No. 1 gun coming back,” Farley said.

Also high in the Lions’ lineup are junior Duquesne Sprow – who bowled at state for Free State last winter – and sophomore Jessica Wyatt, creating high expectations that LHS might improve on last year’s ninth-place state showing.

“Obviously, our first goal is to make it to state, and then for the girls, we’d like them to PR (shoot a personal record) at state. That’s what they’re building toward,” Farley said. “And we feel pretty good about that.”

Not so concrete is Farley’s early assessment of his boys squad.

The Lions graduated five seniors, but they return experienced performers in juniors Shawn Jimboy and Mark Mercer, while newcomer Olson Kilmer, also a junior, has thrown a good ball during practice.

Whether it will be enough to get LHS over the hump and into the state field remains to be seen.

“They’re probably not going to be as strong at the top (as last year’s team),” Farley said. “Taken as a group of five or six, they’ll probably have a better average as a group.”

Lawrence High opens its season today by playing host to a three-team match at Royal Crest Lanes.

Free State will open its season this afternoon on the road against Olathe South.

The regular season will run until late February, with Royal Crest the site of an 11-team regional Feb. 25 that includes both city schools.