Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week

Senior Abby Ragsdale is part of one of the most successful sports programs in the history of Oswego East. The girls bowling team is not only a perennial power in conference, but also a major threat to every program at the state tournament. During Abby’s freshmen season, her team was good enough to place 2nd in the state. As an individual, Abby is coming off a performance at least year’s state tournament that saw her earn 5th place honors as an individual. Now a veteran senior leader, Abby is looking to lead her team on another deep playoff run, which is why she is this week’s Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week.

Abby first picked up a bowling ball at the age of 5, and began competing in leagues as early as 1st grade. As a freshman at East, she earned a spot on the varsity, and was fortunate to be able to be part of a group that came just shy of a state championship. Her maturation, and that of her teammates, is a big reason why the Lady Wolves remain a top program in the state. Head Coach Jeremy Hillman leans heavily on this varsity captain because she provides so much experience and leadership. Hillman says of his senior leader, “As a freshman, she was a major contributor to the varsity team, though she had several meets and games that the situation might have affected her. As she has matured, she is rising up to the challenges before her.”

Look no further than where Hillman places Abby in line to bowl to see how much he thinks of her. Abby plays the anchor position, a replica of baseball’s closer. The anchor position is the last to bowl for the team, which often means the fate of the game rests on Abby’s shoulders. This pressure packed position can break most athletes, but this is where Abby thrives. “As the anchor, she is required to finish off big games for us,” says Hillman. He goes on to say, “[Abby] is not intimidated by the position or the players she faces. This is a huge asset for the team and a reason for our success.”

Abby’s mother, Joy Ragsdale, has seen Abby’s maturation in both school and on the lanes. Joy says, “Since starting Oswego East, Abby has grown very confident. She has developed life-long friendships, and she loves being part of the bowling team.” That confidence has led Abby being one of the premier bowlers in the state of Illinois. Because of her abilities, Abby has earned a scholarship to bowl for the University of St. Francis. Joy has witnessed and helped Abby mature into this position, and understands how much hard work Abby put in on her own. “[Abby] has bowled in many tournaments throughout the Midwest, outside of high school, that she has competed in and won,” says Joy. “[Abby] has had a ton of experience on the college patterns and has been very successful which has gained the attention of many college coaches.”

Statistically Abby has been one of the most successful bowlers to come through East. Besides her 5th place state finish, she is a 3 time All-Conference bowler, and if she captures a 4th all conference award this year, that would make her only the second bowler in school history to do so. She bowled a 300 at the Wildcat tournament, and is the overall leader of her team. Her success, both academically and athletically, have helped her earn a scholarship to bowl for the University of Saint Francis next fall.

Abby’s determination and hard work do not end when she removes her bowling shoes. Her cumulative G.P.A. up to this point is a 3.38, which puts her in the top 30% of her senior class. Abby has ambitions to major in psychology at St. Francis, because as she says, “I would like to help people and possibly become a counselor.” Her psychology teacher, Sean Kelleher, sees the same characteristics that drive her to be successful in bowling, as the same characteristics that drive her to be successful in the classroom. “[Abby’s] greatest strengths were her knowledge of the material and her work ethic,” says Kelleher. He goes on to say, “[Abby] showed a strong understanding of the material in class and would be successful in handling the work load at a college level.”

Abby’s hard work and determination have already garnered her numerous accolades and awards, but she is hardly satisfied. Her team goals for the season include making it to state and earning a trophy. As an individual she would like to make the all-state team and make another push towards that individual state championship. What makes her so selfless is when asked what drives her to stay active and keep working to improve in her sport, her reply was, “help contribute to the team as best as possible.” As a senior with a wealth of experience in tough situations, Abby has advice for any soon to be member of the Wolf Pack. “Be open to trying new things, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” said Abby. We wish Abby and her teammates the best of luck on carrying on the torch of success the Lady Wolves bowling program has established.