BONDUEL, Wis. (WFRV) – Ryan Westrich is best known as a Division I football recruit and a rare four-sport athlete at Bonduel High School. This winter, however, it was basketball that cemented his place in program history.
The senior became Bonduel’s all-time leading scorer this season, breaking a long-standing record of 1,322 points. A four-year varsity starter, Westrich’s impact extended far beyond the stat sheet, according to Bears head coach Duke Copp.
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“Everyone knows he’s a great athlete,” Copp said. “But he’s an even better person. He’s the kindest kid we have, he’s polite, and he’s a great student.”
Westrich’s scoring milestone carried added significance for the Bonduel community. The previous record holder was Bill Ulmen, whose son Griffin is now Westrich’s teammate.
“As a teammate he’s great,” Griffin Ulmen said. “He pushes us every day and gives a lot of credit to us instead of himself. As a person, he’s nice to everyone.”
Despite the historic achievement, Westrich said the moment was never about individual recognition.
“It was a really cool accomplishment, but I couldn’t have done it without my guys behind me,” Westrich said. “I really thank all my coaches, fans and community members for supporting me throughout this journey.”
Copp said Westrich’s work ethic and leadership set him apart throughout his career.
“He’s a focused athlete,” Copp said. “He works harder than anyone I’ve ever had. He keeps the team in line and leads by example.”
That leadership is evident off the court as well. Copp recalled a moment after Westrich broke the scoring record at Wausau East, when the senior stayed behind to help a custodian put away chairs.
“That shows what kind of person he is,” Copp said.
Westrich competes in football, basketball, track and field, and golf, earning multiple all-state honors along the way. He is a two-time all-state tight end and defensive end in football, a member of the state all-tournament team in basketball, and a three-time state qualifier in the shot put. He also carries a 4.0 grade-point average.
Next year, Westrich will attend Western Michigan University, where he will play Division I football. While his high school career comes to a close, he hopes his legacy at Bonduel lasts beyond records.
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“I really want there to be an elevated expectation moving forward,” Westrich said. “I want to inspire the next generation to work hard, be great teammates and great people.”
Westrich leaves Bonduel with a scoring record — and a reputation teammates and coaches say is even more meaningful.
