St. Viator again among elite in new-look ESCC

The East Suburban Catholic Conference is, as St. Viator coach Jack Halpin phrased it, "for boy's golf one of the toughest conferences top to bottom in the state."

Halpin should know - his Lions have won the league title 7 of the last 10 years - and now Marian Central is learning the same thing week by week.

Marian, competing in it's first season in the ESCC, was defeated by Viator 156-173 in dual play at Old Orchard Country Club Tuesday afternoon.

"The competition this year," said Marian senior Brian Powers, "is obviously better."

The Hurricanes of Woodstock, who formerly played in the Suburban Christian Conference, were led by 42's from Powers and Kyle Hardie, while Lions senior Nick Carlson won medalist honors by carding a 1-over 37.

The ESCC has once again become a 10-team conference with the addition of Marian Central, and Halpin said the Hurricanes were a welcome addition.

There are now two five-team divisions, North and South, with Viator and Marian being North rivals.

"You've got teams in this league like Carmel and Marian Catholic, who have won titles," said Halpin, "not to mention Benet, who I think won about eight or nine consecutive championships in the 80's."

Viator has been one of the most succesful of the conference teams in recent years and Carlson, one of only two seniors in the Lions starting lineup, has been leading the way.

"Nick's been doing very well," said Halpin. "He's a great golfer, his decorum is good and he's a great leader. I expect terrific things from him downstate this year."

Carlson's round in Mount Prospect Tuesday included a birdie on number 2 where he chipped to within 10 feet of the cup and sank the putt.

Carlson excelled as well Monday at Ruth Lake in Hinsdale, shooting 79 in an 18-hole event, a meet where teammate Matt Trimberger fired a 76 as the Lions competed against defending state champion Hinsdale Central as well as other top teams such as Lyons Township, Providence Catholic and St. Charles East.

"That was something," said Carlson. "I was playing number one against some of the top golfers in the state. There was a lot of pressure."

"We shot 313 at Hinsdale," added Halpin, "and we've been shooting about 313 (in 18 hole events) on a regular basis after starting off the season with a 326 at Rolling Green. We've come a long way."

John Carlson contributed to Viator's win with a 39, Trimberger scored with a 42 and senior Frank Kasper finished just behind Nick Carlson with a 38.

"Frank is an example of the typical Viator golfer who just works his tail off to earn a place in the starting lineup," said Halpin.

Kasper showcased his skills on the 8th hole Tuesday at Old Orchard when he hit his drive into the trees, but "saw an opening" and fired his next shot within 10 feet from the hole, then drained the ensuing putt.

The senior is looking forward to a stellar year from the Lions, and hopes he can help lead the way.

"Being the only senior along with Nick (Carlson)," said Kasper, " I have to be not only a good golfer but also a role model."

"We've been playing well. "added Kasper, who was up on varsity as a junior but was not in the lineup in Bloomington as Viator advanced to the state meet at the "Den" where they scored a seventh-place finish.

"My goal is to get downstate," said Kasper, "and our team has the talent to do it."