Sparta High School proudly celebrates seniors Shallan Momber and Ryleigh Welch as they officially sign to continue their bowling careers at the collegiate level. Their commitment reflects years of dedication, competitive excellence, and leadership that have helped define Sparta’s recent success on the lanes. Head Coach Barb Orlikowski spoke with pride about the impact both athletes have had on the program. “Coaching Shallan has been an absolute privilege,” Orlikowski said. “She has the heart of a champion and a competitive drive that matches my own—she truly hates to lose, and that fire shows in everything she does.” Shallan’s relentless work ethic has been a cornerstone of her success. She is consistently the last one to leave practice, putting in extra time to sharpen her skills while also supporting her teammates. Her leadership has been especially evident in the way she mentors less-experienced bowlers, helping them grow in confidence and ability. Over her four-year career, Shallan built an extraordinary résumé. She was a member of the 2023 State Championship team and the 2025 State Final Four team. She helped secure three Conference titles and three Regional titles, contributing at the highest level year after year. Individually, she earned All-Conference honors the past three seasons and finished in the top seven at Regionals for three consecutive years, qualifying for the State Finals each time. “Shallan’s dedication, talent, and leadership have left a lasting legacy on our program,” Orlikowski added. “I have no doubt she will continue to excel at Davenport University, where she will compete at the next level.” Ryleigh’s journey has been defined by steady growth and unwavering commitment. “Ryleigh’s dedication to the sport of bowling has steadily grown over the past four years,” Orlikowski said. “Her consistent improvement is a testament to her work ethic, resilience, and commitment to her team.” This season, Ryleigh stepped into the vital role of anchor bowler—the athlete relied upon in every high-pressure moment. Her confidence, calmness, and consistency made her a cornerstone of the lineup and someone the team could trust when it mattered most. Beyond competition, Ryleigh has been a tremendous leader. She invested time mentoring new bowlers, teaching fundamentals, helping them adjust to competition, and ensuring they felt valued within the program. Her presence helped create a culture of support and accountability. Ryleigh’s accomplishments mirror the excellence she brought to the team each day. She earned All-Conference honors for the past three seasons and was a member of both the 2023 State Championship team and the 2025 State Final Four team. Throughout her career, she contributed to three Conference titles and three Regional titles. Individually, she finished in the top seven at Regionals for the last three years, qualifying for the State Finals each time. “Ryleigh’s growth, leadership, and competitive spirit have left a lasting impact on the team,” Orlikowski said. “She embodies what it means to be a dedicated athlete and an exceptional teammate.” As they prepare to compete at the next level, Momber and Welch leave behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and Spartan pride. They compete this Saturday at Individual State Finals - their final moments as Spartan Bowlers. Congrats to Ryleigh and Shallan!