Can Streelman conquer the Q?
Wheaton Warrenville South graduate Kevin Streelman, who finished second in the 1996 IHSA Class AA golf championships, has advanced to the final stage of the PGA Tour National Qualifying Tournament -- known to prospective golf pros as the dreaded Q School.
He was in Winter Garden near Orlando, Fla., Wednesday for the start of the finals at Orange County National's "Crooked Cat" course.
The 166 hopefuls compete through six rounds ending Monday. The top 25 get their PGA Tour cards, though others will be able to compete on the Nationwide Tour.
Streelman himself plays on the Nationwide Tour and in the past has gained exemption from a few PGA events. In July 2005 he pocketed more than $21,000 at the PGA's U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee.
During the second round of Q School, Nov. 14-17, Streelman survived by tying for first place at Royal Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Ariz. He shot a 17-under 271 over four rounds.
In the first stage Streelman was paired with Glenbard North graduate Darren Hince, who for the third time was unable to make it out of the first stage.
Soccer smarties
The Chicago Fire, in conjunction with the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association, announced its Boys High School Soccer All-State All-Academic Team earlier this month.
Several locals were honored: Francisco Damian of Downers Grove South, Matt Keating (Glenbard North), Ryan Kovarik (Lake Park) and Colin Cuzman and Drew Vogler, both out of Downers Grove North.
Vogler, a goalkeeper, got a 36 on his ACT.
He also plays on the Trojans basketball team, then hurries home to work on the nuclear particle accelerator he's building from spare parts just lying around the house.
Hit and catch
Driscoll senior Adam Davis, a starting linebacker on the Highlanders' past two football championship teams, recently signed his letter of intent to play baseball at the University of Illinois.
A 6-foot-1, 210-pounder, Davis initially held himself out of football this season to prepare for baseball. He's a catcher.
He's also a huge hitter with speed, and he knew he couldn't miss a good thing.
Davis first returned to the football field in Week 3. He quickly got banged up, missed a few games, but finished with a flurry to make 47 tackles, including 8 in Driscoll's title win over Bloomington Central Catholic.
What's up…
…Kelsey Novotny
Wheaton Warrenville South, sr., swimming and track and field. On course for her eighth varsity letter this spring, Novotny competed in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle races and the medley and 400 freestyle relays at the 2007 Girls State Swimming & Diving Meet.
Which sport do you prefer: swimming or track?
"I've been swimming my entire life. Track is just something I picked up along the way. I really enjoy both of them, but I'm looking to pursue swimming in college." (Choices include Vanderbilt, Missouri, Indiana.)
How many hours of television do you watch? "Maybe like an hour and a half each day."
You own WW South's girls high jump record of 5 feet, 1 inch. What's your secret?
"You need hops, but for me it's just my height. I'm 5-9, so that helps a lot. I can't imagine being 5-2 and high jumping."
Your grandfather was an Air Force general, your mother's a United Airlines pilot and you're working toward your own pilot's license. What's the coolest thing you've seen in your Cessna?
"Definitely flying above the clouds and seeing the sunset. Yesterday I went to Rockford and went up to 5,000 feet and saw the sunset."
Any UFOs? "No."
Favorite recording artist:
"I'm a music person, so it's hard to pick just one. If you put down Eric Clapton that would work for me."
Do any techniques carry over from swimming to track?
"I wouldn't say technique-wise, but I have this weird thing where I have to yawn before each race. I always have a peppermint, one of those little mints they give you at restaurants. I'm a superstitious racer, I suppose."