Hundreds have signed a petition to bring the Vermilion High School bowling team back to their hometown lanes — but a deeper issue may be keeping them away.
A Community Asks: Why Not Bowl at Home?
Every year, people in Vermilion ask the same question:
Why does the Vermilion High School bowling team practice in Lorain instead of Vermilion?
The students are bussed to Rebman’s Bowling Center, which is about 30 minutes away. Meanwhile, Lake Erie Lanes, a fully remodeled alley in Vermilion, sits just minutes from the school.
Many parents, students, and community members are confused. A recent petition to bring the team back home has gathered over 500 verified signatures. But despite strong public support, the team continues to practice out of town.
Lake Erie Lanes: A Bowling Alley Rebuilt for the Community
Lake Erie Lanes has been part of Vermilion for over 70 years. In recent years, new owners have spent nearly $750,000 to purchase, plus extensive repairs fixing it up. The alley has refurbished lanes, rebuilt machines, and a brand-new pro shop.
Shawn Perry, one of the owners, says his first phone call after getting the keys to the building was to the VHS bowling coach. He wanted to let the school know that the alley had new owners and was ready to support the team.
But, according to Perry, the coach didn’t appropriately respond. “He basically hung up on me,” Perry wrote on Facebook. He also avoids eye contact with me.” We do have an email from the coach that Perry submitted where Coach Hugo responds to Perry via email.
Still, Lake Erie Lanes has gone out of its way to help the school and students. The alley has hosted fundraisers for the bowling team, the golf team, the band, and the choir. They’ve also provided pizza for teachers, last-minute parties for the pep band, and more.
Was a Promise Broken?
In 2021, Perry says the Vermilion Athletic Director told him the team would return to Lake Erie Lanes the following season. But that never happened. As of now, the team is still traveling to Lorain for practices and matches.
That decision has led to dozens of phone calls and emails to Lake Erie Lanes every year. Parents keep asking why their kids are not bowling locally. Perry’s answer: “It has absolutely nothing to do with Lake Erie Lanes or our staff. It’s a conflict of interest.”
Is There a Conflict of Interest?
One of the most talked-about claims in the community is that the girls’ bowling coach has a financial interest in Rebman’s, the Lorain alley where the team practices. If true, that would be a conflict of interest.
However, one commenter on Facebook, Brian Reinhardt, said this isn’t accurate. He pointed out that according to county records and state business filings, the alley is owned by Richard Rebman under Geronimo Boots LLC. He says Mary Lou Rebman-Poli, who is listed as the girls’ coach, sold her share in 2019.
This disagreement has stirred up debate, but it raises a bigger question: If there’s no conflict, then what is the reason the team isn’t practicing locally?
Are Tax Dollars Being Wasted?
Many parents say they’re frustrated that Vermilion High School bowlers are still practicing in Lorain — especially when a newly renovated alley is just minutes away in Vermilion.
While students aren’t bussed for practices, they’re expected to drive themselves or carpool, which raises concerns about safety, accessibility, and fairness.
Local supporter Josh Boyd wrote,
“They want us to vote to give them more money while they waste money bussing kids to Lorain and putting money in the coach’s pocket.”
While matches may still involve some transportation costs, the bigger issue, according to many parents and alumni, is that not all students have the means to travel out of town for practice — and that could be limiting who gets to play.
Former team members from the 2000s say they wouldn’t have been able to join the team if it had been based in another town.
“Most of us wouldn’t have been able to play,” wrote Jacqueline Scanlan, a 2008–2012 VHS bowler.
This raises questions not only about money but about equal access to sports and what it really means to support student athletes.
Other Schools Bowl Close to Home
Vermilion is not the only school with a bowling team. But other nearby schools keep their practices local:
- Firelands bowls at Lake Erie Lanes in Vermilion.
- Amherst bowls at Park Lanes in Amherst.
- Huron uses Riverview Lanes in Huron.
- Wellington bowls at Strike Out Lanes.
People are asking: Why is Vermilion the only school sending their students far away?
Lake Erie Lanes Supports More Than Just Bowling
The owners of Lake Erie Lanes are known for giving back. From the Girl Scouts and Robotics Team to the band boosters and PTO, they’ve supported nearly every school group that’s asked.
Parents say it’s time for the school to return that support.
“Vermilion sports need to stay in Vermilion,” wrote one supporter.
The Petition That’s Making Waves
The online petition, started by Sandra Piwinski, calls for Vermilion High School to bring its bowling team back to Lake Erie Lanes. The petition says:
“Lake Erie Lanes has been more than just a bowling alley; it has been a home ground where talent is nurtured.”
As of now, the petition has over 500 signatures, with the goal of reaching 750. Petitioners hope to get the attention of the school board, which includes:
- Mark Benson
- Krystal Russell
- Sara Stepp
So far, none of them have responded publicly.
Can This Be Fixed? What Happens Next?
Some people are asking if the issue could be solved by simply replacing the coach. Others wonder if the board needs to review how decisions are made for school teams.
Shawn Perry says they’re not trying to start a lawsuit or cause legal trouble. They just want to be treated fairly and give Vermilion kids a place to play in their own town.
Conclusion: Bring the Team Home
This isn’t just about bowling. It’s about a school supporting its own town, making smart use of tax dollars, and giving all students a fair chance to participate.
Lake Erie Lanes is a place that has stood by Vermilion for decades, and many believe it’s time for the school to stand by them.
As one commenter put it:
“It would be like the football or basketball team going to Lorain for home games. It makes no sense.”
With growing support and a push for answers, the ball is now in the school board’s lane.
📣 How You Can Help
- ✅ Sign the Petition
- 🗓️ Attend the next school board meeting
- 📧 Email the school board to ask for a response
