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Lyons strikes it rich with Kicmal twins
Twin brothers Robert (left) and Mike Kicmal are the top two leading scorers for Lyons' boys bowling team this season. | George M. Wilcox~Sun-Times Media
Updated: February 19, 2013 1:34PM
LA GRANGE — It makes sense that the scoring averages for twin brothers Robert Jr. and Mike Kicmal differ by about seven pins.
The Lyons juniors from La Grange were born only a few minutes apart. This season, they rank 1-2 in scoring for Lyons with Mike leading the pack for the third consecutive season.
Mike ended the regular season Monday with one of his highest games. He rolled a 269 in the second game during a 3,203-2,986 victory over visiting St. Patrick at Rolling Lanes in Countryside.
On the day, Mike was actually overshadowed by his older brother, who scored a 288 in Game 2. Resurgent Lyons, which is wrapping up its third season as a varsity squad, scored a team-record 1,179 for single game. The total for the series was also a program high.
“It’s always a battle (between brothers),” Mike Kicmal said. “I’m No. 1, but he is closing the gap.”
Mike Kicmal’s career high for a single game was 279 Nov. 14 against Lemont at Strike & Spare II.
Lyons finished the season with a 14-3 record in dual meets after going 11-0 last season. Lyons’ best invitational finish was fourth place (5,940) at the Oswego East Invitational Dec. 1 at Parkside Lanes.
Despite last year’s record, Robert considers this Lyons’ best season. Lyons has also been led by Danny Pett, Pat Richard and Kevin Justice.
The twins have always been near the top of the team’s standings, but sometimes struggle due to their competitive natures.
“The big challenge is the mental game for them,” coach Francisco Gamboa said. “Skillwise, there is enormous potential. They lead the varsity in more than just scoring. The have all the components. It’s a matter of keeping their heads strong.”
“We get competitive,” said Robert, the more intense of the two.
“We’re pretty competitive, but most of the time we have fun,” Mike said.
Lyons hopes it hasn’t peaked too early heading into the Oak Lawn Sectional at 9 a.m. Saturday at Palos Lanes in Palos Hills.
The sectional favorite is Catholic League champion Brother Rice, but it’s a wide-open race for the second berth in the state meet Jan. 25-26 at St. Clair Bowl in downstate O’Fallon. The sectional’s other top teams are considered Richards and Argo.
