Co-Student Athlete of the week Ryan Baumann

     Senior Ryan Baumann decided long ago to follow in the footsteps of his father.  Ryan has been bowling competitively since the age of 9, and is currently wrapping up his last season with the wolves bowling team.  Ryan’s commitment to excellence as an individual, leader, and student are why he is this week’s co-student athlete of the week.

     Ryan’s average of 210 ranks him at the top of the boys bowling team, and has put him in line for multiple top finishes this year.  His accolades include a 6th place conference finish, 2nd in regionals, and 3rd at Orland bowl.  His personal goal is to make it to state this year, which would make him the first boy’s bowler in the history of Oswego East to accomplish such a feat.  His coach, Tim Ochoa, believes he can and says “Ryan can go on a run. He rattles off strike after strike and rallies his team behind him. He is one of the most consistent players that I have ever seen.”

     Being a rallying cry for his teammates is something Ryan excels at and enjoys.  “I love bowling because my friends also compete.  They are good and we push each other to compete at the highest level,” remarked Baumann.  Ochoa also sees leadership as one of Ryan’s strengths.  “Ryan leads by example. He takes time to work with both levels (V and JV) before, during, and after practice. He welcomed new players to the team and challenged returning players to have a winning season. He always has a positive message and challenge before and during our matches.  When Ryan talks, everyone listens,” says Ochoa.

     Ryan’s positive attitude has made him successful in the classroom as well.  His future plans include attending either Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois, or competing on the bowling team at the University of St. Francis.  His 3.3 G.P.A. and 23 ACT score demonstrate Ryan’s ability to achieve any goal he sets for himself.  Whichever school he chooses, Ryan plans on majoring in accounting.

     Although Ryan’s average of 210 falls just short of his father’s 230, his commitment to success and willingness to improve may see him close that gap sooner rather than later.  Oswego East has been fortunate to call Ryan their own for the past 3 and a half years, and he will be missed next fall.  Hopefully Ryan’s leadership and advice will be heard and followed by future generations of bowlers and students.  Ryan’s advice for future Oswego East wolves is to “strive for what you want in life and be the best you can at it.”