Gregg Haden has positioned the Iowa Central bowling team into perennial national contenders. 

Now, the Tritons look to keep that ball rolling at the lanes.

Iowa Central claimed the women's national title in the spring, the second consecutive championship for the team. The men added a runner-up trophy to the collection, and both have several key players back.

"We have high expectations," Haden said. "We have some seasoned veterans from last year and are bringing in a great group of newcomers."

Leah Sanck, Olivia Nolte and Korrissa Johnson are back on the women's side, with Jacob Kraft and Jordan Pelant returning for the men. 

Johnson finished third at nationals and has already started her fall season off with a strong performance at the Golden Eagles Invitational. She had a high of 200 among her five games, finishing with an 870 series. Nolte was right behind her with an 865 including a high of 192.

Pelant came out firing with a team-leading 1,240 series that featured four games over 200 including a 243. 

"(Assistant coach Haley) Hall, an accomplished bowler with numerous collegiate awards and who is my true coaching partner, has been helping get them ready," Haden said. "We've also brought in Cory LaBarge and Ray Wiegand, who were both accomplished collegiate bowlers to help."

Wiegand graduated from Iowa Central in the spring after placing fifth individually. 

The Tritons compete at the 50th annual Midwest Collegiate Championship this weekend in Milwaukee. The NJCAA Championships are scheduled for March 3-4 with the USBC Sectionals taking place March 11-13. 

-By Dana Becker