Another interesting sport that does not receive the attention it deserves at ETHS: girls bowling. While to a lot of people it may not seem like the most noteworthy sport, girls bowling has actually been extremely successful in the past, and looks to be extremely successful in the near future. With their season still young, let’s seize our chance to learn about the Evanston Wildkit girls bowling team.

I talked to the head coach of the team, Ray Austin, about the past, present, and future of the girls bowling team. He explained how successful this team has been in the past,

 “[In] 2020 right before the pandemic we were the CSL [Central Suburban League] champs and Regional champs,” Austin elaborates.

Prior to the postseason though, the team looks forward to the MLK Day Invite on Jan. 17, which they will host. The last two times that tournament has been held, the Wildkits have walked away from it champions.

In last year’s pandemic season, despite still displaying signs of dominance, girls bowling did not finish the season as strongly. 

“[We were] 2nd in the CSL, 2nd in the Sectional and 17th in the state,” Austin says

As a matter of fact, coach Austin sees this season as one of rebuilding.

“This year we are rebuilding and have to learn to compete at a high level.”

Led by seniors Raivyn Summers and Izzy McDermott, so far Evanston has posted a 3-1 record so far in duals, along with a second-place finish in the Bloomington Invite. Unfortunately, the team has also had to cancel matches against Resurrection and Warren Township due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Nevertheless, Austin expresses excitement about what’s to come for the team.

“We have some freshmen who have me very excited for our future,” Austin explains.

All in all, this team has and will continue to be successful—a powerhouse in the Central Suburban League and state—for years to come.