Taniel Knutson of Salina South was voted the Salina Area Preseason Boys Bowler of the Year. The Cougars qualified for the 5-1A Tournament last season and Knutson had the third highest series at state.

The taste of going to the state tournament last season has only fueled expectations for Knutson and his team this season.

“This year my expectations for myself is having my best season that I have ever had,” Knutson said. “My expectations for me and my team is going to state and hopefully placing in the top three.”

The mental side of the game is something that is a strength and a weakness for Knutson.

“A big strength of mine is my enthusiasm and encouragement for my team,” Knutson said. “I feel a weakness of mine is if I have a bad frame, I get inside my head and I will throw myself off during my game. A way that I utilize my strength for my team is I always try to encourage my teammates to always try their hardest, and ways that I have been trying to improve my weakness is by not letting everything go to my head and just doing my best.”

While his future is uncertain at the moment, Knutson is interested in continuing his bowling career after high school.