WW South, Wheaton North split top spots at regional
Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South just can't seem to avoid each other on the golf course lately.
Tuesday they shared top honors at the Class 3A Wheaton North boys golf regional. The Tigers' Sean McCaffrey won the individual championship by shooting a 1-over-par 73, and the Falcons won the team plaque with a 306 at Village Links of Glen Ellyn.
"They're a great team as a whole," Wheaton North's Michael Suazo said of his cross-town rivals. "It's always a great battle when we go up against them."
The Falcons enjoyed this battle more than the teams' previous meeting, last week's DuPage Valley Conference tournament.
"We just lost our conference match last Thursday, so we really wanted to come out and prove that we can win. It really feels good to do this," said Suazo, who took second individually with a 75.
The teams will see each other again at Monday's Hinsdale Central sectional at Prairie Bluff Golf Course in Lockport.
"We battled out there, and we picked up momentum as we went along," Tigers coach Jimmy Selleck said. "I think all things considered - conditions, wind, tough course, pin placements - we finished as best we could. We're fortunate enough to take second place and advance."
The Falcons won by putting all four counting scores in the 70s - Caleb Weise added a third-place 76, Matt Winkleman shot a 77 and Connor Morency a 78.
"They've had a very good year, and they've earned this," Falcons coach Mike Pribaz said of his seniors. "They worked hard for it. It's a tough golf course on a windy day, and I couldn't be more proud of these guys."
McCaffrey, the 2014 DVC champion, admitting to being a little relieved to be the regional champion also.
"I hit a ton of greens, and when it's as windy as it is you've got to be able to putt it close, and I put it within 3 feet, so I had some easy pars out there all day," he said of withstanding the challenge from Suazo, the 2013 DVC individual champ.
"He just stays nice and patient and he always believes that he can get one back if he gives one up, and he competes," Selleck added about McCaffrey.
McCaffrey started 3-over through the first five holes but made the necessary adjustments to the course and weather and regained his consistency.
"I feel like I snuck away with a 73 today," he said.
McCaffrey said his game is improving at the right time.
"I struggled in a couple of tournaments earlier this year, and I'm hitting it really well," McCaffrey said. "I'm putting decent scores up in two of the most important tournaments this year. It helps a lot. I'm playing really well right now when it matters most."
York was the third squad to qualify for the sectional as a team, shooting a 325. Sophomores Sahil Patel of Glenbard North and Kevin Nelson of Glenbard West led the group of 10 who qualified as individuals. Patel shot a 77 and Nelson a 78.
Class 2A Mendota regional:
Wheaton Academy shot a 333 to edge second-place St. Francis. Aurora Central Catholic took third at 346. Warriors junior Grant Gosden took medalist honors with a 74. Freshman Luke Ambrust led the Spartans with an 81.
Class 3A Hinsdale South regional:
Lyons Twp. won with a 296, and Hinsdale Central shot a 302. Benet earned the final team slot in next week's sectional with a 305, led by junior Alex Bassetto's 71.
Class 3A Lockport regional:
Neuqua Valley edges Naperville North for the team championship, 317-318. Naperville Central took third, just 2 shots behind Naperville North.