Apollo’s Theresa Rickertsen will continue her bowling career at the next level after signing with Lindsey Wilson College on Wednesday at a ceremony at Diamond Lanes Midtown.
Rickertsen has been with Apollo’s program almost since the beginning — playing five of the six years since the team’s inception. She also finished in the top 25 of individual competition at the KHSAA State Bowling Championships each of the past three seasons.
Rickertsen said she’s excited for the opportunity and is glad to continue her bowling career.
“College always seemed so far away and now it’s almost here,” she said. “I am just really happy I get to continue with the sport I love, and I can’t wait to keep improving.”
Head coach Kerrie Gatton said the team will miss the experience Rickertsen was able to provide.
“This year, as a senior, she lead across the board,” Gatton said. “To lose that kind of talent, there are going to be big shoes to fill for us. She is going to bring a lot to Lindsey Wilson. I expect her to make a big impact right away.”
Rickertsen said the team has had just as big of as impact on her, and she owes a lot to the chance to play at Apollo.
“I consider the people on the team to be my family now,” she said. “It was really important to be able to do this because all my siblings wanted to do high school bowling since there wasn’t a team, so it’s been a real honor to play for Apollo.”
Gatton said she’s not surprised Rickertsen has the opportunity to continue her career. Between skill and a positive attitude, Gatton said Rickertsen has plenty of strong attributes.
“Theresa’s strength is definitely her control on herself,” Gatton said. “A lot of bowlers, when they start bowling bad, let it affect them. Theresa stays very even-kill. She is a smart bowler. She has been doing this since she could walk.”
Rickertsen said she chose to sign with the Blue Raiders because she didn’t want to be too far from home, but she also likes the school and program.
“It seems like a really comfortable atmosphere,” she said. “I just really like the competitiveness and the atmosphere that comes with playing at the college level. All of my siblings bowled in college, and it’s always something I wanted to do.”
