Viator's Stringfellow, Wheeling's Ferguson take different state paths

One of this weekend's top competitors is an experienced senior, back in Bloomington playing in the IHSA state golf championsip tournament for the fourth consecutive year as a standout on a championship team.

Another is a freshman, competiting as a individual and looking to surprise the field while representing a school which hasn't boasted a state qualifier in 15 years.

And while Dan Stringfellow of St. Viator and Wheeling's Jack Ferguson have taken different paths to this weekend's class 3A title tourney, one thing both golfers share is a strong work ethic and a passion and talent for the game of golf.

For Stringfellow, 17, the "Den" at Fox Creek Golf Course has become a home away from home. The senior has been an integral part of St. Viator's back-to-back state crowns in 2007 and 2008, and contributed as well as a frosh in 2007 when the Lions began their state tourney streak with a runner-up finish.

He's also finished in fifth place twice and eighth individually at state, so to say the senior knows what it takes to be successful in Bloomington is an understatement.

"It's weird knowing that this will be my last year here," said Stringfellow, who will be trying to become the first Illinois prep golfer to finish in the top-10 four straight years. "But it's a good feeling as well, and it definitely helps to have your teammates here with you.

"You wind up playing for the team, and not for yourself."

Stringfellow will be ably supported by senior teammates Joe Carlson (last year's state individual state champion), Brad Klune and Joe Ferrari as the Lions shoot for three titles in a row.

Ferguson won't have that luxury. The 14-year old freshman, already a golfing veteran after competing in numerous junior golf tournaments the last few years, will be the only Wildcat to compete in the tourney - but by just getting to state he's already made a name for himself at Wheeling.

The last Wildcat to qualify for state was in 1994, but both Ferguson and coach Mark Menich are confident Ferguson's advancement is just a sign of things to come.

"I'm sure we'll be getting downstate as a team the next couple of years," said Ferguson, a sentiment echoed by Menich.

"Jack, Zack Nauert, and Mike Taylor give us a great young nucleus," said Menich. "They'll do nothing but make our program better, and for Jack to qualify as a freshman is a tremendous accomplishment."

And both golfers aren't lacking in confidence.

Stringfellow, who has verbally committed to play at Auburn University next year, will be one of the favorites to win the individual title, saying it "isn't out of the realm of possibility."

Ferguson knows it'll be difficult - but not impossible.

"Of course my goal is always to win," said the freshman, "but I don't know if that's realistic at this time. I'd like to at least finish in the top 10."

And what advice would the veteran Stringfellow give Ferguson, who'll be playing for the first time ever at the "Den?"

"Never give up," said Stringfellow. "With the cold weather conditions that always seem to be here, the scores are probably going to be higher than you think.

"You've got to play 18. You can't give up on any hole or any shot. Keep competing."