Oak Lawn Spartan Boys Bowling Clinch IHSA Regional Championship

OAK LAWN, IL — After winning the South Suburban Conference Red Championship a week ago, the Oak Lawn Community High School boys bowling team was ready to conquer the world. All season the Spartans had their enthusiastic sights set on the Illinois High School Association Regional championship and a date with destiny in the following Sectional meet.

When the team lost three varsity bowlers for varying reasons during the week leading up to Saturday’s Regional, those sights certainly blurred a bit. However, the resilient Spartans stepped up to the challenge, refocused, and eventually walked away with the regional crown at Skyway Bowl. They defeated second-place Morgan Park by 31 pins and third-place Richards by 47 pins. And now this coming Saturday at Orland Bowl, Oak Lawn will get its date with destiny in the Sectional for a chance to advance to the State Finals.

Senior Steven Hebel led the charge with a third-place medal as he rolled a 1,282. Sam Bergamo finished eighth, Logan Wendt was 12th, and Domas Rasymas was 15th. But the biggest surprise was freshman Gavin Rybicki, who bowled in his first-ever varsity meet and beat his season average to push the Spartans on to victory.

“Steven is one of our leaders,” said head coach Kevin Walery. “He bowled well when we needed it and had a huge day. He loves bowling at Skyway Bowl. And Gavin Rybicki was awesome. He gave us a huge lift. He bowled above his average and made the difference in a very close regional.”

This Saturday the Spartans will attempt to earn a trip down state as a team. With the return of varsity bowler Brandon Mariano to the lineup, those chances improve. However, the tough competition will put Oak Lawn to the test. Time will tell if it is in the stars for this team to make it all the way.

~ Contributed by Brian Frangella, OLCHS Staff Writer