Schools
Richards junior becomes school’s first individual state bowling champion
Ulyssa Garcia had second highest margin of victory in state history
Harold L. Richards High School in Oak Lawn has its first-ever individual bowling champion.
Junior Ulyssa Garcia won the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Girls Bowling Individual State Final on Saturday with a score of 2,738.
She won by 177 points, which Richards Varsity Girls Bowling Coach Edward Fink said is impressive because it means that the next person would have had to bowl a perfect game to defeat her.
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“She opened a lot of eyes,” Fink said. “She’s just a fantastic bowler.”
Garcia was practically raised in a bowling alley. Both sides of her family bowl. She started when she was 3 years old.
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“If I’m not in school, I’m in a bowling alley,” she said. “On weekends and sometimes on weekdays, I was always in a bowling alley. It became a comfort thing.”
Her team, which placed 14th at state, also spent a lot of time in the bowling alley. They practiced every Monday through Saturday from November to mid-February. They went undefeated all season and won the regional competition before they fell short on the first day of the state competition on Friday.
Garcia said it was difficult to stay positive after her team failed to advance to the second day of the state competition. However, she avoided looking at the standings during her individual competition, which allowed her to focus.
“It was a fun experience but definitely challenging mentally,” she said.
Richards High School celebrated the girls bowling team on Monday during its traditional Parade of Champions. The event also recognized state finalists Damian Rzeszutek, who placed 6th in impromptu speaking for speech; and wrestler Mike Taheny, who placed 3rd in his weight class.
Fink said this was the best bowling team he’s had since he started coaching the girls eight years ago. While the team outcome may not have been what they hoped for, the goal now is to improve next year.
Garcia is currently taking a break from bowling. However, she believes she can defend her title next year or at least place in the top five. There have only been three repeat state winners in individual girls bowling history.
Garcia has grown into a leader during her time at Richards, Fink said. She’s always willing to help her teammates.
She’s also confident.
“After the way I performed this year, I just feel like I could do it next year,” she said.
