Bertermann's next challenge: Grayslake North

Moving around from one school to another wasn't the original plan for Laura Bertermann over the last 15 years.

First there was Libertyville, Vernon Hills, then Antioch and now it's Grayslake North.

The latest switch has has taken Bertermann only a few miles across the county, not only to be a science department head at Grayslake North, but also to build the Rams' program.

"It was an opportunity to get a job in my community," said Bertermann. "I really don't expect to go anywhere anytime soon."

She led the Libertyville program for five years. When Vernon Hills opened, she had seven strong years there, and then she took over Antioch for a couple of years.

At each school, Bertermann has a way of getting the bowlers motivated and seeing success.

"I really want the kids to take bowling seriously," Bertermann said. "I really teach them about the basics, from the importance to the strike ball and practicing without scorekeeping. Kids seem to rise to my challenges.

"I know I'm not always the part of the success, but i take pride in things like seeing Vernon Hills make it to state."

Vernon Hills made it to state a couple of times and had a 12th-place finish a few years back.

"I knew those girls would make it to state," said Bertermann, who left for Antioch after that year at VH. "A lot of the girls were saying it's all because of you."

Bertermann was never a big bowler herself. She was a league bowler but picked up a lot of her coaching from her dad Jim Cogar (an assistant coach at Vernon Hills). Still, Bertermann is a certified coach and has learned a lot from watching and asking questions.

"It's good to learn and enjoy," Bertermann said. "You do what you can do and talk to the girls about bowling and see them get better."

Bertermann might see Antioch follow the same road this year and earn a spot at state.

Meanwhile, the Knights have a coach with experience and ready to teach them how to bowl while handing out the basics of the bowling.

Grayslake North made its own program this year for the first time separating form Grayslake Central.

It will also give more opportunity for others to get involved in a growing sport of bowling.

"My biggest goal is to see the girls get their best performances by the end of the season," Bertermann said. "I just want them to improve on their knowledge of the game, be their own individual in learning the game."

In the next few years, it's very possible the Knights might be making their first trip to state bowling competition.