Boys Bowling: Richards gets past Hillcrest

Updated: November 9, 2011 8:40PM

Richards senior Rick Strache got a taste of the state boys bowling tournament two seasons ago. This year, he’s hoping to return with his teammates.

The Bulldogs got off to a strong start Wednesday, taking a 1,862-1,670 win over Hillcrest in a South Suburban crossover and the season opener for both teams at Brunswick Zone in Homewood.

“Our whole team bowled good together,” Strache said. “I was happy with how I did and glad to have a team win. We’re really hoping to get downstate as a team this year.”

After posting an 885 in Game 1, Richards picked it up a notch for a strong 977 in the finale.

Strache’s 221 in Game 2 included five straight strikes. Andrew Byland (203) and Cody Woods (200) also broke 200, with David Walker adding a 196 and Zak Engstrom a 157.

“We had a little bit of jitters, but we definitely bowled well,” Richards coach Kari Vanderjack said. “I feel really strong about the team this year. It was nice getting good competition in tonight. Our ultimate goal is to make it to state and I can tell the kids really want it this year.”

Strache had the high series with a 432, with Byland (398), Woods (379) and Engstrom (321) also contributing for Richards.

Ryan Hoskins led Hillcrest, staying consistent with games of 216 and 214. Henry Bell posted a 391 series that included a 200 in the opener. Markus Simmons (331), Anthony Singleton (281) and Blaze Morris (237) pitched in.

“We’re definitely showing promise,” Hillcrest coach Robert Fantozzi said. “We had more kids come out for the team this year than we’ve had before and we’re showing improvements from last year.”

Oak Forest 2,144, Bremen 1,605: Oak Forest’s Kyle Sinwelski led all individuals with a 266 game and two-game series of 513 at Oak Forest Bowl. Russell Deer had a 422 series for Bremen in the South Suburban Blue.

Brother Rice 2,609, De La Salle 2,189: Terrance Evans posted a 252 game and 426 series for Brother Rice in the Catholic League dual at Town Hall Bowl in Cicero.

Contributing: Josh Krockey

© 2012 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.