Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week

Making a varsity team is always an arduous task. With each level climbed, the competition amongst teammates becomes more difficult, and the demand for perfection and commitment for time grows. Generally, Student-Athletes compete on a freshmen, sophomore, or JV team to gain experience and improve their skills. Freshmen Will Clark is the exception to this rule, as his skill level and maturation are well beyond what one would expect, which is why he is this week’s student athlete of the week.

Will is the first person to compete on the Wolves’ bowling team who is home schooled. Beginning in 6th grade, Will’s parents, Cynthia and Ed Clark, made the decision to home school Will for a variety of reasons. Will takes a variety of classes his classmates take, ranging from Plane Geometry to Spanish to Physical Science. The benefits of home schooling allow for flexible scheduling; ensuring Will has the option to spend long stretches of time working on subjects that both interest him, or a topic he may need more time to master.

Bowling competitively allows Will the social opportunities he would normally get through a regular school day. District 308 granted Will the waiver to compete for Oswego East, his home school, and the reception he and his parents have received by teammates and parents have been overwhelmingly positive. Cynthia and Ed have felt particularly welcomed by other parents, despite being unsure of how they would be received. “At first we weren’t sure what to expect,” says Cynthia. She goes on to say, “Everyone has been very welcoming, and we go to lunch with the other parents during Saturday tournaments.”

Competing on the varsity level as a freshman is a daunting task for anyone, but in Will’s case there are additional challenges since he doesn’t regularly attend classes for the school in which he competes. Fortunately, the upperclassman, and all of the bowling team, has been very supportive and encouraging to Will as well. “I knew a few [teammates] through weekend leagues at Parkside,” says Will. He goes on to say, “My teammates have been very supportive, especially because I’m hard on myself. They are always there to help me refocus after a bad shot.” Cynthia has also seen the effect Will’s teammates have had on him. “[Will] has really grown a lot this season, and being on a team has taught him he is not the only one competing, and can rely on them if he is having a bad game.”

As a member of the Wolves bowling team, Will has compiled a 206 conference average and helped the Wolves to a 9-1 record, with notable wins over state ranked teams such a Plainfield North.  Will also bowled a perfect 300 at the Lake Park Invite in Woodridge at the beginning of the season.  Head coach, Frank Johnsen, has helped guide Will through the ups and downs of a first year varsity player, and values Will’s work ethic and drive. “Will’s biggest strength as a bowler is his commitment to the game,” says Johnsen. He goes on to say, “Will practices seven days a week. If I had to guess, I would say he bowls 50 to 75 games a week. His second biggest strength is his focus. If you give Will a target to hit, he would hit that target nine out of ten times.”

Will, and his teammates, have high goals for the rest of the season, including qualifying for state. As far as Will’s personal aspirations, he hopes to qualify for state as a freshman, and continue pushing to improve every day. As his own harshest critic, Will has already improved by learning to lean on his teammates for support when something does not go his way. His advice to future Wolves who plan on competing is, “Don’t worry about being the best, and keep trying to improve. Your teammates can carry you when you struggle.” We wish the best of luck to Will and the entire bowling team as they continue competing in their already successful season.