Senior, Jerrad Barczyszyn’s journey to winning the Class 5A State Championship in bowling was a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and skill. From the moment he stepped into high school, his ultimate goal was clear, to earn a state championship ring.
Barczyszyn states, “I am very excited and proud of myself. Going into high school, the only thing I wanted was a State Championship ring. Now I have one.”
That dream became a reality as he secured the top title, cementing his place in Shadow Ridge High School’s history.
Balancing academics and athletics has not been easy, but Barczyszyn found a way to manage both. He acknowledged that “at first, it seems like a lot. But with a little bit of planning, everything gets done.” His commitment to his studies is just as strong as his dedication to bowling. As a senior, he has set ambitious academic goals, including finishing high school as one of the valedictorians and passing his AP exams.
While he received encouragement from teammates and peers, Barczyszyn credited his family and coaches as his primary sources of support. “Most of the support is from my family and coaches,” he said, emphasizing the role they played in his success.
Bowling presents its own unique set of challenges, and Barczyszyn has worked hard to overcome them.
He recognized that the sport requires strong mental discipline, stating, “I think I need to improve mentally when it comes to sports. Bowling is very tough if the mental game is not right, so I want to be stronger in that area.”
The biggest obstacle he faces is himself, as he explained, “The main hardship I encounter is myself. In a game where there are a lot of aspects you can’t control, it is very hard to stay calm. So when things get really difficult, it can be hard to get out of my own way.”
Despite the difficulties, Barczyszyn remained focused, ultimately achieving his goal of winning the state championship. His success is also a reflection of the supportive environment at Shadow Ridge. He spoke highly of the school’s teachers, stating, “There are many great teachers that actually care about the students.”
With high school coming to a close, Barczyszyn has set his sights on the future. He has signed with Grand Canyon University, where he plans to study Forensic Science while continuing his bowling career at the collegiate level.
Barczyszyn lives by the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
His ability to rise above obstacles and stay committed to his goals has made him a true champion, both in the classroom and on the lanes.
