Marmion wins first city title in 8 years

Marmion was in solid shape after its first three golfers finished at the Aurora High School City Championship Wednesday afternoon.

But the Cadets' position was immeasurably improved when Caleb Vest carded a 2-over 73 at Phillips Park Golf Course in Aurora.

With matching 76s from its top-three players - Luke Hoss, Jackson Clark and Nick Huggins - Marmion ended the four-year Waubonsie Valley city run in boys golf with its 301.

Metea Valley, whose Jeremy Forbes became the first Aurora city champion in its brief history, was second at 308.

Waubonsie Valley had five players at 79 or better to finish third at 310.

Aurora Central Catholic, West Aurora and Aurora Christian were bunched together, well behind the pace of the team leaders.

"We have shot 301 before and lost, seemingly to Waubonsie every time," Marmion coach Doug Roberts said. "We have been waiting for (Vest) all year, and he comes in with a smooth 73."

The Cadets, who triumphed at an invitational over the weekend in Rockford, won their first city tournament since 2006.

"I had a game plan to hit fairways and greens," Vest said. "I followed my game plan. I didn't make too many mistakes out there. I got up and down a couple of times and made some solid putts."

Jerod Hirner and Johnny Callahan were the other members of the Cadets' city squad.

"There were some very nice scores out there today," Roberts said. "Hopefully we are peaking at the right time."

Vest denied Aurora Christian sophomore Brett Seward on a scorecard playoff - lowest back-nine total - to earn runner-up distinction.

Hoss and Clark did likewise to win the fourth and fifth slots among five players who recorded 5-over 76s.

"I didn't putt very well," said Seward. "But other than that, I am very happy with how I played today. For a high school tournament this is my low round this year."

Aurora Central Catholic (333) bettered West Aurora and Aurora Christian by 3 shots to place fourth overall.

IMSA was not in attendance, and East Aurora did not have enough players to record a team score.

The Chargers' Mac Cowen and Zach Baker earned top-10 honors with their respective rounds of 76 and 78.

After making the turn at 7-over, Baker shot an inward-nine 35 to complement Cowen.

"They played very solid rounds," first-year ACC coach Mark Frantzen said. "Mac has been pretty consistent in all his 18-hole rounds this season."

Dean Lavery, Kerry Taylor and Adam Spooner led West Aurora with their 81, 82 and 84.

"Three of the four kids (whose scores counted) shot below their average," West Aurora coach Jay Bauer said. "We're looking for that fourth score."

The two Indian Prairie schools had eight combined players in the 70s.

But none was as masterful as Forbes, who toured the course in 1-under 70.

Forbes had 5 birdies during his championship round.

"I have never done that," Forbes said of his career-low tournament round. "I shot a 1-under 35 on the front and kept it going with an even-par 35 on the back. My ball-striking (was the difference)."

Connor Labedz, David Lipan and Mark Prakash were all between 78 and 81 to further the Mustangs' collective efforts.

"I'm really happy with Jeremy's score," Metea Valley coach Ryan Hall said. "Our No. 1 player, David Lipan, had a string of bad holes coming in. If that doesn't happen we're probably right there (for the team title)."

Waubonsie Valley had its strongest showing of the season.

The Warriors have historically feasted at Phillips Park due to its players' ties to the First Tee program there.

Conrad Esch and Jack Troy fired 76s for the Warriors.

Jake Wright, Parker Hoffman and Mike Vichich all recorded 79s to round out the 310 total.

"Every one of the boys has the ability to go low," Waubonsie Valley coach Eric Flodberg said. "They're starting to turn it on at the right time."