Girls Bowling Completes Successful Season on Lanes, In Life

Submitted by Joseph McCurdy. Photo: The Spartan Lady Bowlers qualified for the first sectional tournament in the school’s history.

For the first time, the Oak Lawn Community High School girls bowling team placed high enough at the Illinois High School Association Regional meet to qualify for the sectional. Prior to this season, this feat had only been accomplished by individuals at Oak Lawn. And it was the strength of a team average of 161 pins and the strong performances of co-Most Valuable Players Shannon McGuire and Stephanie Gasca that led the way. In addition to this great accomplishment, the Spartan bowlers earned 182 OLCHS Community Service Hours by volunteering at boys bowling competitions.

Overall, the team placed third in the South Suburban Conference Red and then placed third at the regional meet. McGuire earned first place at conference and Gasca placed ninth. The Spartans also earned the SSC Red Sportsmanship Award for the second consecutive year.

McGuire finished the season with 261 strikes, 220 spares and a 189 average, while Gasca ended with 207 strikes, 238 spares and a 175 average.

“I am very proud of this year’s Lady Spartan Bowlers,” said head coach Kelly Rumel. Every match they played demonstrated competitiveness as a team and a constant display of sportsmanship made so apparent in the camaraderie shared among themselves and the opposing team members. The talent continues to grow with this year’s team outperforming the past 13 years and all signs point to another strong season next year. I warmly say goodbye to our seniors and look forward to next year.”

The graduating seniors include Shannon McGuire, Katie Murphy, Sarah Sievers and Kristyn Oliver. Returning bowlers include Jena Rayas, Jillian Sandrik, Shannon Mottl, Stephanie Gasca, Jonna Miranda, LeAnne Kommenich, Lena Rayas, Allison Hebel, Angel Barry, Rosemary Jepsen, Andrea Yukne, and Carmencita McAuliff.