It’s been a long time since the Newburgh Free Academy boys’ bowling team won the Section 9 championship in early 2020 but had its trip to Syracuse for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association championships.

It hasn’t been quite as long since last season that saw the Goldbacks win the Section 9 Regional championship this past March in a season that was not only shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also relegated the teams to virtual meets in which each team played at their home lanes and scores were combined later.

This year seems to look more like previous seasons have and the Goldbacks will welcome opponents back into their home at Pat Tarsio Lanes.

The boys’ team lost only one bowler, Ryan Beam, whose family moved to Louisiana, but the Goldbacks will return four of the five starters from last year’s regional championship team, and coach Matt Iorlano said he expects the boys’ team to once again be very competitive.

Returning are Keith Weber, Kevin Novella, Dylan Hannigan, Andre Alexander, Jordan Dewitt and Kris Schwarzbeck.

The Goldbacks are also developing a number of returning bowlers that were just outside of last year’s starting lineup.

Iorlano said he expects the girls’ team to compete for a berth in the Section 9 tournament as the team continues to develop and return all five starters.

Returning bowlers Arianna Decker, Gurleen Kaur, Bailey Allen, Gianna Alisandrella, Paige Kuban and Tatum Connolly-Wazewski will combine with newcomer Katie Bell.

“We have a great group of kids that are dedicated to improving every day and we are hoping to compete in both the boys’ and girls’ division at the state level,” Iorlano said. “Hopefully, we will get to compete at the state level as a team or individually this year. We are looking forward to a very successful season with so many returning bowlers.”