For the First Time, Three Bowlers Advance to Sectionals in Boys’ Bowling

Three senior bowlers, who have grown from recreational bowlers into competitive ones, are extending their journey Saturday at sectionals.  Jack Aliprandi, Jack Krowczyk, and Brendan Patton all advanced through regionals and will be representing Saint Viator at Bowlero in Vernon Hills starting at 9 a.m.

This is the second year that Saint Viator has qualified for sectionals. Brendan Patton qualified last year when he was the first sectional qualifier for Saint Viator boys’ bowling. 

Great way to end regionals with a 1027 game and the advancement of 3 Lions to Sectionals: Jack Aliprandi, Jack Krowczyk, and Brendan Patton! #KeeptheFaith #OurLegacyYear pic.twitter.com/7QMXLWTsHb

— Saint Viator Bowling (@ViatorBowling) January 19, 2025

“I am excited to be returning to sectionals for the second year in a row,” Brendan says, “and I’m hoping to take the next step to qualify for the state championship.” 

Still, making it to sectionals this year, together, is beyond exciting, they say.

“I think it’s something straight out of a movie,” says Jack Aliprandi. “Three extremely close friends, who’ve all been bowling together this whole time, all getting to share this experience together, is something very special. It’s very exciting, and I am looking forward to trying to make it state.”

Their path from recreational bowlers to competitive ones has taken lots of hard work, says their head coach, Mr. Andrew Weber ’12.

“The three of them had never bowled competitively, but I right away noticed their potential,” he says. “They all first started throwing traditionally, or one-handed with three fingers in the ball." 

“They were greatly improved and were welcoming of any advice that I was willing to offer,” Coach Weber adds. “One thing that I had emphasized was how taking lessons with a pro could help take their game to the next level. They immediately began taking lessons and even converted to bowling two-handed with only two fingers in the ball.” 

Jack Krowczyk admits he had only bowled a few times with family and friends before he joined the team, so the learning curve was high. He had to concentrate on footwork, posture, and when to release the ball.

“All of these come into play to build the most important parts of the throw: The speed of the ball, the hook it has, and where it lands,” he says.

Jack Aliprandi agrees, adding that he tends to work on more technique instead of just going for score. 

“If there’s a specific type of spare that’s been giving me trouble, I’ll intentionally go for those instead of playing the game normally,” he explains. “Another example is if I’m releasing the ball incorrectly, I’ll focus on my technique and not really be focusing on knocking pins down.” 

Typically, during the season, they spend four days in the lanes and one day in the weight room, doing bench presses, push-ups, and squats. The workouts help not only with strength training and conditioning but with balance and endurance, they say.

All three bowlers credit their coaches with helping them improve in the sport, including Coach Weber, Coach Danny Saam ’11, and Coach Jack Halpin.

“They got me from where I was freshman year, barely able to break 100, to where I am now, bowling 200s with ease and bowling at a sectional level,” Jack Krowczyk says. “My teammates, too, have been absolutely vital in my journey.”

The three friends compare the team to a family, where everyone picks one another up and offers unconditional support.

“Our varsity team is all seniors, and have been bowling together for the past three years,” Brendan says. “It is a very encouraging group, and we support each other. What more could you ask for? The coaches have been good role models, and taught us a lot about the sport, as well as being a good person and growing into the young men we are now before college.”