What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
When Oren Alsager steps up to the bowling lane, everything has to be just right. He tests his slide, wipes down his ball, and runs through the same ritual he’s perfected over countless frames. It’s that kind of dedication that’s taking the Three Lakes high schooler to the Wisconsin State Bowling Meet in Weston this March—the first Rhinelander Co-op bowler to qualify since 2022.
For a region where Friday night fish fries and high school sports are equally sacred, Alsager’s achievement represents something bigger than individual success. It’s a reminder that the Northwoods passion for athletics burns bright, whether on frozen lakes or polished lanes, and that the tight-knit communities spanning from Three Lakes to Rhinelander to Eagle River are ready to cheer on one of their own.
Alsager’s path to state didn’t happen overnight, though his improvement over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. The junior spent his summer bowling around 10 frames daily, a commitment that paid off in ways even he didn’t fully anticipate. His average jumped by 30 pins, and his high series skyrocketed by 180 pins—the kind of leap that turns heads across District 9.
That work ethic translated into team success for the Rhinelander Co-op, which pulled together bowlers from Rhinelander, Three Lakes, and Elcho to post an impressive 8-2 record this season. When district standings were tallied, Alsager finished eighth out of 124 boys competing—securing his ticket to Weston and bringing recognition to a program that’s been building momentum through its expanded four-team structure under the Hodag Bowling Club.
What makes Alsager’s story particularly compelling in the Northwoods is how it reflects the regional approach to youth sports. Co-op teams aren’t just administrative arrangements here; they’re expressions of how rural communities pool resources and talent to give kids opportunities they might not have otherwise. When Alsager bowls at state on March 6th, he’ll carry the pride of multiple towns with him.
According to his coach Cory Dellenbach, if you can’t find Alsager at the Rhinelander bowling alley, he’s probably up in Eagle River. When he’s not at either location, he’s traveling to tournaments around Wisconsin. It’s the kind of all-in commitment that transforms a hobby into a craft, and in the Northwoods—where winter stretches long and indoor recreation becomes a lifeline—bowling alleys serve as gathering places where young athletes can hone their skills year-round.
Alsager started bowling just three years ago, which makes his rapid ascent even more impressive. He’s candid about feeling behind compared to high schoolers who’ve been rolling since elementary school, but that late start seems to have fueled rather than hindered his drive. His coach puts it simply: “I don’t know any kid that’s better than him right now.”
The consistency in Alsager’s approach—that pre-frame routine he never skips—mirrors the broader values of Northwoods athletics. Whether you’re setting tip-ups on the ice or lining up a spare, success comes from showing up, putting in the work, and respecting the fundamentals. It’s a lesson that resonates in communities where hard work and reliability aren’t just admired traits; they’re expected ones.
Beyond his own competitive success, Alsager has taken on a coaching role with the middle school bowling team, passing along what he’s learned to younger athletes just starting their journeys. It’s a natural fit in a region where mentorship flows informally through hunting camps, fishing boats, and now bowling alleys. Dellenbach’s daughter bowls on the team and tries to emulate Alsager’s technique every time she approaches the lane.
This kind of peer-to-peer inspiration strengthens the entire Rhinelander Co-op program, which has grown to include varsity boys and girls teams plus a co-ed JV squad. The program opened this season with strong performances, building on years of development that have made the co-op competitive in District 9 play against schools from across north-central Wisconsin.
Alsager’s message to young bowlers echoes what many Northwoods parents tell their kids about outdoor skills: start early, practice consistently, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. “The younger you can start the better,” he says, acknowledging that every frame bowled builds the muscle memory and mental game required to compete at higher levels. In communities where knowledge passes between generations—whether about tracking deer or reading lane conditions—that advice carries weight.
When March 6th arrives and Alsager competes in Weston, he’ll face Wisconsin’s best high school bowlers with realistic expectations tempered by competitive fire. He’s aiming for a top-10 finish while acknowledging the learning curve of his first state tournament. It’s the kind of humble confidence that fits the Northwoods personality—proud but not boastful, ambitious but grounded.
The economic and social fabric of small Northwoods towns depends partly on these shared sporting moments. Local bowling alleys in Eagle River and Rhinelander aren’t just businesses; they’re community hubs where families gather, where young athletes find purpose during long winters, and where achievements like Alsager’s become collective celebrations. Youth sports programs provide structure and connection in rural areas where entertainment options are fewer but community bonds run deeper.
As the first Rhinelander Co-op bowler to reach state in four years, Alsager breaks through a ceiling and opens a door. His success proves that with enough dedication—and enough frames bowled in alleys across the Northwoods—kids from Three Lakes, Rhinelander, and Elcho can compete with anyone in Wisconsin. Whether he brings home a trophy or simply gains invaluable experience, he’s already given the region something to celebrate and younger bowlers a target to chase. That’s the kind of legacy that matters up north, where every achievement by one of our own feels like a win for all of us.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
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