POPLAR GROVE – When the team scores finally were posted in the cramped clubhouse at Timberpointe Golf Course, the Kaneland boys golf team and its fans erupted in cheers.
Kaneland advanced to the Class 2A state championship as a team for the first time since 1996, taking third place Monday in the Belvidere North Sectional.
“I lost my voice yelling,” Kaneland golfer Connor Williams said. “The wind made us play pretty bad, but compared to everyone else, we played well and that’s all that matters.”
The Knights were led by Matt Yonkovich's 84 and Luke Kreiter’s 86, including a 40 on the back nine. Williams shot a 93 and Brody Kuhar (89) also figured in the scoring.
“Even though we didn’t play as well as we would have liked, we’re still proud of ourselves,” Kreiter said. “This is a huge milestone for us and the school. It’s been a long time coming.”
Cook doesn’t qualify: DeKalb sophomore Jacob Cook shot a 92 in the Class 3A St. Charles East Sectional, but did not qualify for the state tournament
The cut for individuals was 78.
“He had a great experience. He really played pretty well today,” DeKalb
coach John Cordes said. “It was a tough day, really windy. He lost a few balls in the leaves and the group just couldn’t find them. Overall, it was a pretty positive experience and one that he can learn from and build on.”
Cook joined the varsity earlier in the year, jumping from the freshman/sophomore team, and ended up being DeKalb’s lone sectional qualifier. Cordes said he’s excited about Cook’s development over the past two years and is eager to see his program evolve in the near future.
“We talked about this being a learning experience today,” Cordes said. “I’m looking forward to the next couple years with what we have coming back and what we have coming up from the lower levels. It may be a year a way, but there are some kids that have that itch to want to play.”
Cogs have tough day: Genoa-Kingston failed to advance any golfers to the state meet after a tough, windy day in the Class 2A Belvidere North Sectional.
Eric Tucker led the Cogs with a 93, and Tommy Lucca turned in a 94. Mason Lucca (103) and Nick Adamcyk (105) were the last two counted scores for G-K.
“We had a nice run and I’m pretty pleased with the kids’ effort late in the year,” G-K coach Mike Lauer said.
Sycamore season ends: Sycamore’s season ended for its three individuals who qualified for sectionals.
Curtis Swartzendruber (92), Curt Buzzard (98) and Ryan Aurand (100) all missed the cut in the Class 2A Belvidere North Sectional.
Royals out after sectional: Hinckley-Big Rock’s three golfers failed to make the cut for the Class 1A state tournament.
Austin Scott (101), Daniel Small (104) and Dirk Schoger (105) all faced a tough challenge on a windy day at the Golf Club of Illinois.
• Ross Jacobson contributed to this report.
