Fremd shows its depth by winning Dundee-Crown tournament

Fremd did not want to peak at the wrong time.

The Vikings not only picked the right time, but a surprising one. Without senior Sean Jones, who finished eighth at the IHSA state meet 2 years in a row, Fremd shot a 302 and took first place at Saturday's 35th Annual Dundee-Crown Charger Classic boys golf tournament at Randall Oaks in West Dundee.

Fremd counted a 1-over-par 72 from Brad Berutler (4th, individually) and a 74 from Chris Ramirez (8th). Brad Peterson (77) and Max Stejskal (79) also counted scores for the Vikings.

"We had a couple of bad weeks about 3 weeks ago," Fremd coach Josh Teschner said. "We talked about that we didn't want to peak in early September. We wanted to peak in late September and early October."

Also turning in peaking performances were sophomore Xavier Owens and his South Elgin teammates. Owens shot an even par 71 to take second in a field of 120 golfers, while the surprise Storm (311) finished third as a team with Jack Reagan (79) also finishing strong.

"I was hitting it very straight," Owens said. "I hit 13 greens and had 3 birdies. I hit a 69 this season and I was chasing that today."

Everyone was chasing Benet's John Callahan. After shooting a 75 at the Classic last year, Callahan went 2-under for a 69. Callahan's score propelled Benet (304) to second for the second-straight year. Callahan credited his putting, especially his 25-foot shot for par, for his low round.

"I hit the ball really good," Callahan said. "I was in a good position to hit bogeys. I'm hitting the better now than I ever have in my life."

Benet's Pat Callahan (6th) contributed a 74, as did Cary-Grove's Ryan Laughlin (9th), Jacobs' Josh Kopka (7th), Lake Park's Brian McKeown (74).

Jacobs' Scott Cahill, who was 2-under through the first 9 holes on Saturday, finished third with a 72. Cahill said he struggled with the quick play of the greens, which made putting a little more difficult.

"I hit the ball really good, I just didn't hit my putts," Cahill said. "The greens were different from what we're normally used to playing out here."