This year marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of VHHS. In addition to this commemoration, VHHS also commemorates the success and additions within winter athletics.
One of these additions was in the bowling program. Vernon Hills started off with only girls’ bowling and added boys’ bowling a few years later.
Bowling was one of the first sports at VHHS. Over the years, both girls’ and boys’ bowling have won a total of ten CSL championships, two regional wins, and six sectional wins. Boys’ bowling has had a second-place bowling State finish, and girls’ bowling has had an individual state win.
According to girls’ bowling coach Andra Dalton, the bowling program has created a tight-knit community. Dalton described how she has implemented many team-building traditions to keep the community together. Some of these traditions include a holiday gift exchange at Portillo’s, personalized pillowcases for state tournaments, and “Oh the Places You’ll Go” gifts for each senior.
“These traditions help ensure that the legacy of girls bowling continues, not just through victories, but through the connections, memories, and personal growth they foster,” Dalton said.
Caleb Gumminger (12) said the boys’ bowling program also has a strong community.
“The community of kids you bowl with and against is one of the most supportive I have ever experienced in a sport,” Gumminger said.
This sense of unity found in bowling can be found in other sports as well.
Varsity girls’ basketball player Morgan Bedell (12) said she loves being on the basketball team and having the opportunity to contribute to the team’s ongoing success.
“Basketball is a team sport in which success is determined by how well we work together. The bond that I form with my teammates and the way we rely on one another makes the sport special,” Bedell said.
From a coach’s perspective, creating a family in sports is one of the most important aspects of building a strong and successful team that works well together. Boys’ wrestling head coach Jesse Wolter explained his philosophy.
“One thing that I try to push is building a family and making an environment that kids want to be a part of,” Wolter said.
This type of coaching is seen in the gymnastics program as well. Head gymnastics coach Denise Caton explained how creating and maintaining team traditions are a large part of what makes a team so successful.
Caton explained that gymnastics being a winter sport allows the team to enjoy many holiday traditions together.
Varsity dancer, Ella Viets (11) shared that the Dance team also creates enjoyable memories throughout the
season.
“My favorite part of the dance team is spending time with the girls on the team during [Friday Night Lights] or on [competition] days. We always have so much fun and have such funny memories together,” Viets said.
In addition to creating bonds, winter athletes explained that work ethic and leadership is crucial to a successful team.
Bedell described her role in upholding the basketball community, as well as being a team leader.
“Whether I’m on or off the court, I contribute by assisting the team in every way possible…I know that every role is important, and continuing the legacy of the team means giving everything I’ve got…” Bedell said.
Similarly, varsity cheerleader Tessa Dubin (11) said that continuing the team’s legacy means being present and working hard every day at practice.
“As a team, we have goals, and I want to do everything I can to achieve them,” Dubin said. “It is super important to be present at practice, especially during competition season, and I try to focus only on what is happening in the gym and nothing from the outside.”
