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SCHOLAR-ATHLETES

Spa Catholic bowlers score at academics, too

Following the interscholastic bowling season, Coach Dennis Ostrowski, speaking in a serious tone, called the Saratoga Central Catholic High School team in for a meeting one afternoon after classes. Thinking they were in trouble, the team entered his classroom confused and curious as to what they did.

As it turned out, the news was actually good. Mr. Ostrowski had the honor of telling his team they were named the number one student-athlete bowling team in New York State.

"I think we were all pretty surprised it happened," said Chris Larson, one of two eighth-graders on the team. The school, in Saratoga Springs, includes grades 6-12. 
Chris and teammates Kathy Bedard, Pat Bunk, Harry Sears, Spencer Carey, Mason Crane and Arick Torelson held an overall academic average of 97, with six of the seven averaging over a 95 individually.

For the underclassmen, defending their title next year remains a possibility.
"If we can all keep our grades up then I think we can do it," said sophomore Pat Bunk, adding that grades were "always a priority. That's why we got this in the first place."

For the two seniors on the team, Kathy Bedard and Spencer Carey, it was the perfect way to end their bowling careers at Spa Catholic.

"It was good," said Kathy. "It was an added touch to the end of the year."

Spencer looked at it from a different angle.

"It's really ironic," he said, "because as a team we tried hard, but we weren't a winning team. Now we beat everyone."

For Coach Ostrowski, the award spoke to the dedication of his bowlers.

"I didn't have to stress academics, which was refreshing," he said. "They were just as passionate about academics as they were about the sport."

On the lanes, they experienced some individual success as well: Six of the seven bowlers achieved new high scores, some in the 200s. Despite winning only two games in their matches all year, the team called it a memorable season.

"We weren't really there to win," said Chris; "we were just there to have fun."

The team took great pride in being close to each other as well. Playing their home games at Saratoga Strike Zone, which is within walking distance of the school, was a convenience, but the team pointed to their road trips as their favorite memory of the season.

Being in the Western Athletic Conference, which includes schools such as Waterford, Fonda and Schoharie, the Spa Catholic team credited its long bus rides to giving "bonding time." 

The school took notice of their accomplishments as well, announcing their achievement at a recent pep rally. As the team walked around the gymnasium showing off the banner they received, it only confirmed their feeling that their season a success.

"It was really huge," said Spencer. "Either win this award or win a few more games? This is greater."

(06/11/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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