Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Isaak Izzi

Junior Isaak Izzi is not one to shy away from competition or a challenge. As the leadoff bowler for the Wolves, he is responsible for understanding how the lanes are oiled, how certain shots are behaving and helping his fellow bowlers make adjustments. His steady presence over the course of the season has helped the younger players improve, and his individual effort this past weekend earned him an opportunity to compete in the sectional round of the state championship. For these accolades and more, Isaak is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Having only picked up the sport competitively a few years ago, Isaak has put in the necessary work to emerge as a leader for the team and the program. "Isaak is a determined young man who works hard each day to do his best," says Shannon Izzi, Isaak's mother. She goes on to add, "If his game is off, he gets in some extra practice on the lanes. He is willing to put in the work to achieve his goals."

Becoming a member of the bowling team has helped shape Isaak into the person he is today. "Sports build character and coaches help develop athletes," says Shannon. She goes on to add, "Isaak has learned how to follow instruction and take criticism to better his game and support his team through the guidance of his coaches. Bowling has taught him some valuable lessons that will take him far in life."

As a member of last year's squad, Isaak and his teammate were the first teams in school history to advance to the state tournament. Although they fell short of moving to the sectional round of the state tournament this past weekend, Isaak and Ben Christiansen advanced as individuals. "[Isaak and Ben] are looking to finish in the top 7 to advance to the State finals," says head coach Time Ochoa. He goes on to add, "Last year, Isaak and Ben were instrumental in taking our team to the state for the first time in school history."

Although the team fell short of their goal, Isaak played a tremendous role in helping his teammates, both new and veterans, improve their game. "Isaak is a co-captain on the team and has grown into an important leader on the team," says Ochoa. He continues by saying, "He talks to his teammates about bowling, school, and life. He also helps plan team outings and dinners to support team-building."

Isaak's drive to improve stems from his competitive nature. "Competition is always improving so I want to make sure I stay ahead of the curve," says Isaak. Shannon is proud of Isaak's effort, grit, and ability manage his hectic schedule, saying, "Despite his busy schedule with school, marching band, bowling, hanging with friends or volunteering, he still makes time for his family and dogs. We love that he has grit and willing to tackle life fearlessly."

Isaak's grit and fearlessness in tackling any obstacle in his way provide the perfect mentality in the field of engineering, something Isaak if very interested in studying in college. Isaak's near 4.0 G.P.A. and enrollment in a number of honors and advanced placement courses have put him on track to earn admission into some of the most prestigious universities in the country.

His passion for problem-solving and engineering is clearly evident to the teachers who taught him the past three years. His Honors Principles of Engineering teacher, Tony Holub, has witnessed firsthand what makes Isaak so successful and believes he has a bright future in the engineering field. "Isaak possesses a high level of detail in all of his work and asks great questions to further his understanding," says Tony. He goes on to add, "Isaak exudes confidence in the classroom and is willing to put in maximum effort to ensure success. His combination of a strong work ethic and confidence in his ability are perfectly suited to the complex engineering endeavors he will encounter and his strong collaborative skills will further enhance the final result."

Although the team fell short of their goal of reaching the state tournament for the second time in school history, Isaak and Ben are ready to proudly represent the Wolves' as individuals. Isaak's growth, due in part to becoming a member of the bowling team, is a big reason why he advises future Wolves to, "Try to get out and do as many new things as possible." For Isaak and Ben, the OE community is hopeful they can add a new legacy to the boys bowling team by qualifying for the state tournament and making a deep run at an individual state championship.