Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Liam Fitzpatrick

Senior Liam Fitzpatrick, to his own admission, was never the competitive type before high school. Liam tried his hand in a number of sports as a child, but none truly brought out his competitive nature. However, as a freshman at OE, Liam decided to join the bowling team, something he always thought was fun and would help him be a bigger part of the school culture. Soon, a passion for competition and excellence ignited inside him, and his journey from being the lone freshman on the team three seasons ago to a captain his senior year is one of the reasons he is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Bowling was something Liam considered a hobby growing up. “I bowled a lot with my friends in junior high, but I was never really a competitive type of person,” says Liam. As the only freshman on the team, Liam was quiet and slightly timid, and to his own admission, not a tremendous bowler. “I probably averaged a 110 on a good day,” says Liam.

However, that all changed the summer after his freshman year. Seeing the competitive drive, success, and skill of the varsity team who qualified for the state tournament, Liam started studying and practicing his craft. “The summer after my freshman year was very intense, and I raised my average to 150,” says Liam.

Liam’s mom, Lara Fitzpatrick, took note of the impact bowling had on her son’s life. “I have seen the evolution of Liam’s athletic journey,” says Lara. She goes on to add, “I believe it has been his coaches and the camaraderie of his teammates that have drawn him into bowling. Those points have encouraged Liam in the early years of bowling when he became discouraged.”

During Liam’s junior year he was able to raise his average to 180, and this season he is averaging 200 in competitive tournaments. As the lone freshman on a talented team 3 seasons ago, Liam stands now as the lone senior and captain on a team full of underclassmen, a role Liam has taken ownership of and relishes. “We have a lot of guys who have the potential to be really good bowlers, and I want to help raise the level of play for the sophomores and juniors, as well as recruit freshmen to join the program,” says Liam.

Steve Henning, head boy’s bowling coach, is one of many coaches who have helped push Liam to become the leader and player he is today and understands just how important he is to the team. “I told him going into the season we would be expecting him to step up and lead, and he has so far exceeded those expectations,” says Steve. He goes on to add, “Liam is a quiet leader who remains calm in adversity and will pump up the team when things are going well. Liam will leave a gaping hole from both a scoring and character standpoint when this team comes back next season.”

The pandemic made it a little more difficult than athletes for other sports because bowlers rely on bowling alleys and lanes being open. “I tried to set up drills in my house, which was difficult, but the most difficult part was the mental aspect of the game,” says Liam. When the lanes did open back up, Liam had found his average had dropped to roughly 170, but he put in the necessary work to raise his average to 200 pins per game. Liam currently ranks in the top 12 in conference points earned from high series averages in meets.

Outside of the lanes, Liam excels in the classroom. He was recently named a national merit finalist, which has helped earn him a scholarship to the University of Alabama where he will study mechanical engineering. Liam’s 4.45 G.P.A. and 1520 SAT score means that, on paper, Liam should be set up well for future success. However, Liam’s ability to excel in mechanical engineering goes beyond just his intelligence and test scores.

Anthony Holub, a teacher Liam has had for various engineering and AP classes understand just what makes Liam so special. “Liam is relentless in his pursuit of excellence in the classroom,” says Anthony. He goes on to add, “He is focused, dedicated, possesses outstanding work ethic, and demonstrates great passion as he seeks the answers to a variety of questions. His ability to connect with others and work to a greater understanding for both himself and others speaks to his character and desire to better not only himself but those he encounters.”

Despite Liam’s successes in the classroom and athletics, his advice to future Wolves is more about perseverance and understanding there will always be obstacles you can overcome. “I feel like a lot of people coming into high school are worried about getting into a great college and having high grades. I would advise people to not get down on themselves if they get a lower grade than wanted, or do not get into the top college of their choice. Learn to celebrate your successes, which is a huge part of getting better.” Perseverance and celebrating your successes have never been more important than the past year, and there is no doubt Liam’s leadership will leave the boy’s bowling program in a better place than where it started.