The Road to State

Boys golf plays a record breaking season

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Photo By Ashlyn Klecka

The boys golf team concluded their season this past weekend after making history with a lengthy winning streak and a deep run at the state tournament, making this season one to remember.

 

The golf team’s winning streak began on Sept. 23 at the Sterling Invitational at Emerald Hill Golf Course, where senior Will Marshall took first place. Other honorable mentions included junior Michael Partoll in 12th and sophomore Ryan Milton in 6th.

 

The boys then took first place at the conference tournament at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club in LaSalle while setting a school record of 293. Marshall also set a school record as an individual with an impressive nine under par. Other individuals included Partoll finishing in 13th, junior Bryce Stair in 7th and Milton in 3rd.

 

The streak continued at Sycamore Golf Club for regionals, where the team shot a combined 296.

 

Kaneland then hosted sectionals at Hughes Creek Golf Course on Oct. 8, which for several players stood out as a particularly memorable weekend.

 

“My favorite memory from the season was seeing all of our friends and fans come watch the golf team play sectionals at our home course, Hughes Creek,” Partoll said.

 

The team eventually lost their winning streak, but still played to qualify for the state finals. Kaneland finished in third place as a team at sectionals with a score of 312. Marshall shot 74 in order to medal in third place.

 

“I think our biggest strength was our team’s ability to come back after a bad match or tournament and do well the next week and play how we wanted to the previous week,” Partoll said.

 

The Knights competed in the state finals as a team at Weibring Golf Club in Normal, IL. Although Friday’s play was suspended due to weather, Kaneland was able to place seventh for class 2A, scoring 321. Marshall led his team with a score of 74 and placed in the top five as an individual for the third time in his high school career. The state experience only added to the list of memories and accomplishments.

 

“My favorite memory was for sure going down to state as a team. Since 2012, we haven’t gone as a team so being able to go as a team meant a lot and really showed what we accomplished. Even though the conditions weren’t the best, it was still a great time and something I will always remember,” Stair said.

 

The Knights’ success was achievable due to their dedication and teamwork.

 

“We learned that playing together for the team is a big part of playing well, which led us to where we got. Some things I learned from this season are that if you set your mind to something, it can always be reachable. Never doubt yourself, and hard work pays off. Having a good group of people around you while doing something you love to do goes a long way,” Stair said.