Battling the elements

Seven local golfers overcome rain, wind to qualify for sectionals

AURORA — Seven area golfers battled the elements Tuesday during the Aurora Central Catholic Class 2A regional at Phillips Park and came out on top by advancing to the Woodstock Sectional.

Leading the local contingent was Kaneland's Curtis Lubic who fired a 6-over par 77 on the damp and windy course. He credits previous tournament experience with keeping his emotions in check.

"Mentally, I wasn't as nervous as last year," Lubic admitted. "I knew the experience and didn't have as much jitters."

His consistent play aided him in the hunt for first place, which eventually went to Marian Central Catholic's Stefan Johnson, who finished with a 74.

"I had a lot of pars," Lubic said of his score.

Joining Lubic at Crystal Woods Golf Course will be brigade of Chargers.

Despite failing to qualify as a team by finishing fourth, ACC qualified five golfers as individuals. Ryan Herrald and Rob Taptich led the Chargers by each carding an 82, followed by Jeff Hund (85), Joe Karkos (86) and Taylor Nelson (87).

"I am real happy that we got five kids through," said Chargers' coach Jim Parker. "I was hoping we could finish in the top three...but we played about our average. We would have had to step it up a little bit to advance and there were three really good teams ahead of us."

Marian Central won the regional title with a team score of 304, followed by Burlington Central with 321 and Sycamore at 323. The Hurricanes had four golfers post scores in the seventies.

"They are very excited," said Hurricanes' coach Erin Carver. "There hasn't been a golf banner (IHSA tournament winner) on the gym wall in many, many years."

The Chargers placed fourth with 335 and Kaneland finished sixth with a 354.

"We knew we would have to play better than our averages," added Parker.

Despite advancing to the sectional tournament, many of Parkers' charges were not all to thrilled with their scores on ACC's home course.

"I am happy I qualified, but I could have played a lot better," said Karkos. "I missed a lot of putts and I had to just get through it and start grinding."

With three holes left and the rain beginning to fall, the junior knew he needed to stay focused if he wanted a shot at qualifying. "I knew I needed to make some pars and birdies. And just keep grinding."

Also advancing was Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy sophomore Luke Nayak.

The Bloomington native shot an 87 to tie ACC's Nelson for the last spot and squeak into sectional action.

"I thought I was done," he admitted. "But, I guess 87 is good enough to get to sectionals...I am excited to start over (at Woodstock), they don't keep the 87.

"So it (Monday) is a new round of golf."

Monday's top eight individuals not on a qualifying team will advance to the IHSA meet at Illinois State University in Normal.

"That's my home course," added Nayak.

Boys Golf: Class 2A ACC Regional