Lockport senior Bailey Delrose came into the season with a goal that longtime Porters coach Art Cwudzinski considered to be far-fetched — at best.

“She said she wanted to win every tournament,” Cwudzinski said. “That seemed unrealistic to me because everyone has bad days, but she sure has come far closer than I ever thought she could.”

The Porters competed in 11 tournaments this season. Delrose won 10 and was the runner-up in the other.

Delrose, a hard-throwing lefty who’s committed to bowl at Maryville in St. Louis, has been remarkably consistent.

“It’s been an unforgettable season,” she said. “I’ve stepped forward and attacked the season. I haven’t always been at my best.

“There have been tournaments where I’ve felt less comfortable than others, but you have to work with what you have and grind it out and I’ve been able to do that.”

Delrose will look for title No. 11, by far the most important, when the state meet begins Friday at The Cherry Bowl in Rockford.

In a sport known for its unpredictability, Delrose’s numbers are staggering.

In 18 seasons as Lockport’s coach, Cwudzinski has guided the Porters to two state championships and four state trophies. He’s seen many talented bowlers, but none who have come close to doing what Delrose has accomplished.

“Any of the great high school bowlers who have come through the area, they maybe won four or five tournaments in a season, if that,” Cwudzinski said. “Definitely not 10.

“We’ve faced all the top teams in the state in these tournaments, too, and she’s out there coming through week after week.”

Delrose was the lone returning starter from last season’s team, which finished second in the state.

On paper, it was a rebuilding year for the Porters, but Delrose led Lockport to nine tournament titles, including dominant wins in the regional and sectional. The Porters will go to state as a top contender in the team race despite their inexperience.

“This year, I knew I had to step up into more of a leadership role,” Delrose said. “I’ve tried to show the girls what hard work, dedication and drive can get you, and I think I’ve set a good example.”

Delrose credits her family, which includes many lifelong bowlers, for consistently helping her improve her game.

“I’ve been bowling all my life, since I was 3 years old, because it’s so huge in my family,” she said. “We’ve got so many great bowlers in my family. My cousin is on staff at Ebonite (bowling ball manufacturer).

“They’ve taught me so much about the game and I always have new knowledge coming in from different perspectives.”

Delrose has been to state each year of her high school career. She finished 29th in 2015, helping the Porters win the team title, placed 54th in 2016 and took seventh last season.

Delrose knows expectations are sky high this time around, but she’s trying her best to stay grounded.

“I know there’s going to be a target on my back from other bowlers, and that’s a little nerve racking,” she said. “I can’t think about that. I just have to stay within myself and see where the pins lie. If the numbers I put up are good enough to win, that’s great.”

Steve Millar is a freelance writer for the Daily Southtown.