By Tamera Robinson
Rick Maruszczak is the head men’s and women’s bowling coach. He has served in this position for seven years. He is responsible for recruiting bowlers for both teams, coaching all the players during practices and tournaments, developing budgets, entering teams in tournaments, and handling logistics for travel, hotel and transportation.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
“Getting all the things completed that are listed above. Just kidding! The most rewarding part of the job is when the team reaches the goals that we set and that bowlers set for themselves. Seeing that they are getting better at being competitive.
Describe how your job has changed in the midst of the pandemic.
“The biggest change has been not being able to get ready for competition—the travel, the
uncertainty of what we will face, or what will happen. Also the constant worry for my team, family, friends and myself.”
Who has influenced you the most in your life? How and why?
“The biggest influence in my life was my father. He was the nicest, hardest working person I ever knew. He had the most friends. Everywhere he went someone knew him. He spoke
with and to anybody. He also taught me to learn how to do everything. The biggest lesson that
I was taught was that you don't get anything without earning it. This was taught to me by all
of my coaches as well.”
What values motivate you the most?
“My values are focused around hard work, respect, modesty, appreciation and common
courtesy.”
What do you do to have fun or relieve stress?
“I like to bowl, play hardball baseball and play golf with my wife. Also, we like to work outside in
the summer. I take care of a baseball field. My own "field of dreams.”
What has been the biggest challenge in your life?
“Early in my life, it was trying to deal with college while my father was sick. Now, just like
everyone, trying to deal with the craziness of the times and society.”
What is your favorite family vacation?
“All the vacations with my family were my favorites. But the most favorite would have to be
when we all went to Corpus Christi, Texas. I was in a bowling tournament and it was the first time my sons were on a plane. We brought back a live jellyfish for my son’s science class. It was also the first time they experienced an ocean beach. (Gulf of Mexico) and a naval ship tour.”
What is a random fun fact about you?
“I like to dance. My wife and I used to go all the time and still try and go as much as we can when time allows.”
What is something you want to learn or wish you were better at?
“Besides bowling? Hard to answer. I'm very competitive so I'm always trying to work on being better at everything I do. I am also always trying to learn how to do new things or about new things.”
What single piece of advice would you give to students today?
“Don't walk around acting like you're entitled to everything. If you want something, go and
earn it. Be respectful and have common courtesy. Appreciate your parents and everything
they have done for you and will do for you.”