Naperville Central, Naperville North play for a cause
On Sept. 12 the Naperville Central and Naperville North boys golf teams met with dual-team meet points on the line that can help determine where a DuPage Valley Conference team finishes in the final season standings.
On Monday the two teams met again. However, the circumstances were much more relaxed as the focus was on helping others.
The annual Naperville Central-Naperville North match play event took place at the Cress Creek Country Club in Naperville. It was again a fundraiser for the Swifty Foundation, which raises money for pediatric brain cancer research.
The foundation was started in memory of Naperville North student and golf team member Michael Gustafson whose grandfather gave him the nickname of "Swifty." Michael died in 2013 and Naperville North coach Ryan Hantak said he was a beloved member of the team.
"He knew he was sick. He never made excuses. He went to practice with a smile on his face and the team loved him," Hantak said.
Golfers from both schools raised money through sponsorships. Some golfers raised more money if they got a certain number of birdies, etc. Varsity players were grouped with JV players. And friends were grouped with friends even though they might wear a different color uniform.
"It was a lot of fun. You're playing with all good friends. It's great being out there," said Naperville Central's Ryan Cagan.
The competition ended with a dinner on the club's patio. Naperville North golfers further honored Gustafson with a paw print logo that had "M.G." on it that affixed to a sleeve of their shirts.
"You are having fun with your buddies, but you are also trying to get low scores to get money donated," said Naperville North's Nick Sullivan.
Tuesday it's back to the season for both teams. The Huskies take on Wheaton Warrenville South at Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton.
It's the final regular-season meet for the Huskies before Sept. 26's DVC meet at Bartlett Hills Golf Club in Bartlett. Hantak hopes the Huskies are peaking at this crucial moment after a strong start to the season followed by a cooling off.
For the Redhawks, there is a showdown against Lake Park at Eaglewood Golf Club in Itasca.
"Lake Park is very, very good. We have a 4-2 record and if we won tomorrow it could put us in a position to have an opportunity to win conference. But we would need help," said Naperville Central coach Barry Baldwin.