BY NICK ALBANO, Editor
Since Kaneland was created in 1958, only two golf teams have made it to the state tournament. This past week, the Varsity team became that second team as they captured 10th place in the State of Illinois for Class 2A. The Knights ended the most successful golf season in Kaneland history.
“Our main goal this year was to win conference but going to state was definitely up there,” said junior Brody Kuhar. The Knights accomplished both goals as they went on a run late in the season, winning both the Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference and the Sycamore Regional as well as finishing third in the Belvidere North Sectional to reach the state finals. The first time Kaneland qualified for state was in 1995, when they finished 16th.
Last year, the Knights failed to make it out of their regional but following that disappointment the team banded together in the offseason.
“The entire team, especially one through ten on varsity, did a lot of extra work in the offseason which was why it wasn’t surprising to see our successes this year. We had a lot of depth and a tight knit group of players,” said Coach Mark Meyer.
With their hard work, the Knights were able to secure the program’s 3rd straight Conference title and the school’s first regional title. “Our success was definitely from the work we put in during the offseason which gave us a lot of confidence throughout the season,” said Senior Luke Kreiter.
Meyer also cited team chemistry as another reason for the team’s success.
“What I learned is in order to succeed as a team at a high level, you have to be a team both on and off the course. When they are friends on and off the course, they push each other more and can rise to new heights.” Said Meyer
The IHSA held the 2A State Golf Tournament at Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State University. Traditionally, teams would get to play 18 holes on both Friday and Saturday; unfortunately, this year the second session was cancelled due to rain. But with scores from Matt Yonkovich (83), Luke Kreiter (85), Connor Williams (85), Brody Kuhar (88), Sean Glennon (92) and Dan Miller (95), the Knights were able to secure their Kaneland record of Tenth place.
“I’ve never been so nervous as when I was at that first tee during State, but throughout this whole experience it was great knowing the whole Kaneland community was supporting us,” said senior Sean Glennon.