3 Boys Bowling Seniors At EPCHS Praised By Their Coach

EVERGREEN PARK, IL - The Evergreen Park Community High School boys bowling team recently recognized the three seniors on their 2022-2023 roster. Head Coach Ron Pula has shared high praise for Malik St. Clair, Patrick Haythorn and Leland Rodriguez.

Pula describes the three leaders below as they wrap up their Mustang bowling careers.

Malik St Clair is one of our legacy bowlers. His brother Malak was on our inaugural boys’ team in 2014. Malik has a lot of coals in the fire. He is very active with numerous clubs in school and ambitions with his career ambitions. As most of the boys who come out for bowling, he did not have a lot of knowledge of the game beyond recreational experience. He worked hard to become a steady, dependable member of the team. He has averaged 155 for the team with a high game of 236. He is the perfect teammate who makes friends with everyone. You never see him without a smile or something nice to say.

Malik is heavy into his music and leadership clubs. He would like to become an orthodontist while continuing his music career. Having his own band is a dream of his, something in the Blues or Jazz domains. His outgoing and polite demeanor will have him going far in life.

Patrick Haythorn has been one of our more energetic team members. He did not have a lot of knowledge of bowling when he made the team. He worked extremely hard, joined outside leagues and even brought friends onto the team during his four years. Along the way he became the heart of the team and earned the team Sportsmanship award twice. Pat has been a steady and reliable member his entire career with us. He is also a member of the JV squad that set our high records for a 3 game (2520) and 6 game (4916) series. He has averaged 172 for us and even converted from a one-handed bowler to a two hander in an effort to best help the team and expand his game.

Pat is also heavily involved with his music and theater interest. He is a hard worker and takes pride in his good grades and friendships. He will go on to college yet to be determined. He plans to study in the engineering fields, preferably civil, industrial, or architectural. He also plans to become a coach in either bowling or music. Pat will be a success in whatever direction he chooses, he is hard working and never stops trying to improve himself.

Leland Rodriguez is one of the few bowlers who had some type of bowling background prior to joining the team. Leland made the team with a 142 average during tryouts. He has been continual starter from day one om the team. He has averaged 172 for us with a high game of 268. He has been all Conference and Varsity Captain. Leland also joined outside leagues with Patrick Haythorn and brought additional members to our team. Leland is rather vocal and just naturally assumes a leadership role to keep the team motivated and focused.

Leland plans to attend Southern Illinois University with a major in Mortuary Science and mi or in either Criminology or music. He has been a very active participant in numerous school clubs and activities. I cannot see him sitting still in whatever direction he goes in life.