Benet nonregulars take turn in spotlight

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LISLE -- Describing Wednesday's Benet boys golf win as lopsided wouldn't do justice to the word.

The Redwings (4-1, 2-0 East Suburban Catholic Conference) didn't have to deal with much drama at River Bend and won the matchup 174-219. If that weren't eye-opening enough, Benet believes it can do better.

"We have two guys playing well right now but for us to compete at the end of the year, we'll need five or six playing really well," Redwings coach Dan Nagis said.

One Benet individual who hopes to improve throughout the season is junior Blake Lantero. He tied for a team-best round with a 42.

"I didn't think I played as well as I would have liked to," he said. "(But) I made the short putts."

The junior also has lettered in baseball, basketball and golf.

"He's thrown up some 70s (for 18 holes) during tryouts," Nagis said of Lantero. "He's got the potential to help us next year if not this year."

Billy Aukstik also putted well for Benet; he fired a 42 as well.

"My drives were a little off but my approaches and green play were pretty good for today," he said in reference to the winds that plagued certain holes. "A couple holes, the wind was blowing right in your face. That and the wetlands make this course challenging."

Challenging may not have been the word St. Joe's players brainstormed to summarize the playing conditions. Parker Swenson and Brian Powers were the team's best scorers, each shooting 53.

"Playing schools like Benet, we're seeing a lot of the top teams in the state," St. Joseph coach Mike Gobber said. "We're rebuilding this year and hope to get better as the season goes on. We're very young."

Nagis decided to sit some of his normal varsity players. The result looked good, but he also has engendered a sense of competition among the Redwings.

"Today they were competing against each other as much as against the other team," Nagis said. "I like to see them battle for the top six spots."

Jason Krogulski (43) also turned in a solid effort for the Redwings. It all spelled trouble for St. Joseph (2-5, 0-3).

Still, Gobber was pleased with the lessons his team learned at the course.

"It makes you more disciplined trying to make shots," he said.