Boys golf: Marmion wins Aurora City Championship

Marmion has a most anomalous boys golf team this fall as the program is without a home course.

But Phillips Park is like a second home to the Cadets' program.

With all six players shooting 79 or better Wednesday at the par-71 layout, Marmion cruised to the Aurora City Championship with a 304.

Waubonsie Valley, Aurora Christian, Metea Valley and West Aurora were relatively bunched in the second through fifth slots.

Aurora Central Catholic was sixth; East Aurora did not field a varsity unit, and IMSA had a school conflict.

Aurora Christian junior Brett Seward torched the back nine with a 31 as part of his individual-championship effort of 5-under 66.

"The guys see (Phillips Park) so many times growing up," Marmion coach Doug Roberts said of the Cadets' historic excellence at the city tournament. "We know we have the talent, but we have to find a way to click at the right time."

The Cadets' scores were as consistent as the competitors' raves about the playing condition of Phillips were universal.

Luke Hoss has been a three-year stalwart for the Marmion program. The senior was third overall after his 75 led the team. Johnny Callahan and Nick Huggins fired 76s; Jackson Clark had a 77 for the Cadets' fourth score. Jimmy Morton and Joey Fremgen also broke 80, but their scores were not needed.

"We have been playing steady golf all season," Hoss said. "I was very pleased with my game today. It was windy out there. I love playing draws (right-to-left shots). I think we're in good shape to make a run at the state tournament, which is our goal."

Hoss defeated Waubonsie Valley junior Jack Troy on a scorecard playoff after they each finished with 4-over 75s.

Troy had been searching for consistency in his game after recent struggles in DuPage Valley Conference dual play and weekend invites.

"My driver has been working well lately," Troy said. "The greens were fast. Reading downhill putts was tough. I could have been even lower."

Nathan Martian and Kenny Ko had matching 78s for the Warriors.

"Phillips is kind of our unwritten home course," Waubonsie Valley coach Eric Flodberg said. "It's a huge advocate for youth golf, so a lot of the guys like coming here."

Pat Brusveen made his first city appearance as the first-year coach at Metea Valley.

"It's nice the City of Aurora can get all the schools together," Brusveen said. "I wish we would have shot a little better."

Scott Boyjan and David Lipan had rounds of 77 and 78 to power the Mustangs.

Seward, meanwhile, was nearly flawless in his masterful 66.

The Aurora Christian junior made mincemeat of the par-5s on the inward half as he nearly eagled both of them.

Seward collected 7 birdies on the day to more than offset for dropped shots at two par-3s.

"I forced myself to focus on the next shot," Seward said. "I was conscious (of my score). The greens were incredible. They were running like a true course."

For the first time in near-quarter-century at West Aurora Jay Bauer has a freshman at the top of the order.

Ryan Vanderway belittled his ninth-grade status by making the turn at level par and playing his final six holes in 2-under after consecutive bogeys at Nos. 10 through 12.

Vanderway was runner-up with his splendid 72.

"(My foursome) had nearly three balls hit us on No. 10," Vanderway said. "I kind of lost my focus. I was putting pretty well."

Mac Cowen has been the top player for Aurora Central all season; the senior led the Chargers with a 79.