Senior Derek Zahorak has been named East’s Athlete of the Week for Boys Bowling because of his extreme commitment to his athletic achievements and for displaying E.A.S.T. ‘s core values of excellence, academics, spirit, and tradition.

Zahorak has only been bowling for a little over three years, but has made huge strides for East’s bowling program. In his time on the team he has consistently been a key player, last season he made it to the state finals, and this year he has been leading the team in average and conference points.

Zahorak is also the captain of the bowling team, and has been for the last two years. Head bowling coach Reese Henning named Zahorak the captain not only for his strong skill in the game, but also for his ability to act under pressure.

“He is always the bowler I look to when I need help with the team adjusting to the lane, as he is level headed and cool under pressure,” Henning said.

As the team’s captain, Zahorak has big goals for the team and himself this season to improve the program for years to come.

“I want to be a good leader as a captain of the team, as well as maintain at least a 210 average. I want the team to make state, but I also want the team to improve so that the team can be just as strong next year,” Zahorak said.

Not only does Zahorak excel in the bowling alley, but he is also constantly challenging himself academically by taking rigorous AP courses and tutoring underclassmen.

“I like to dedicate my time to school just like I would practice. I make sure that I plan out specific time to get my school work done around everything else that I have to do,” Zahorak said, “That way, I can both enjoy sports and keep school as one of my priorities.”

With this being Zahorak’s last season on the bowling team, he is reflecting on his favorite parts of this experience. He is thankful for the people he’s met through the bowling program at East and the relationships built.

Zahorak’s future plans include studying accounting at Wichita State University and possibly bowling for the team. His work ethic and lessons learned from bowling at East are sure to follow him in any future endeavors.

Written by senior Allie Heren. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.