Burlington’s Weber, St. Edward’s Holevas advance
Burlington Central sophomore Matt Weber and St. Edward senior Mike Holevas each advanced to this weekend’s Class 2A boys golf state finals in Normal with solid rounds at the Wheaton Academy sectional Monday.
Weber fired a 2-over par 74 and Holevas a 75 at Pheasant Run, earning them each at-large spots in the field at the state finals, which will be played Friday and Saturday at Weibring Gold Club at Illinois State University. It’s the second straight state trip for Weber, who was a sectional champion a year ago, while Holevas is making his third trip to state.
“It was a pretty good round overall,” said Weber, who made the turn in even par. “I struggled a little on the back none and lost a little momentum. I couldn’t make any birdie putts. I didn’t feel too much pressure. I knew I was scoring OK.”
Weber felt compassion for his Rocket teammates. A year after qualifying for state as a team for the first time in program history, BC blew up on Monday, finishing last in the team totals with a 332.
“The boys played so well in their practice round,” said Rockets coach Deb Twenhafel. “It’s disappointing, but we’re happy for Matt. He played a nice round.”
Weber just wants to manage things this weekend.
“My main goal is to do my best and win the tournament,” he said. “I just have to focus on controlling the things I can control and just playing my best.”
Holevas wasn’t all that pleased with his round, but it did get him a chance to play at state one last time.
“Honestly I hit the ball all over the place,” he said. “But I was able to manage my game and I got a bunch of pars. I had nine straight pars on the back nine. I had birdie opportunities and just didn’t make enough putts, so I’ll be working on my putting this week.”
Holevas has the ultimate goal in mind for this weekend.
“Being my senior year, I’d like to go out with a bang,” he said. “Hopefully I can play well and win state. That could be cool.”
Sterling senior Patrick Petrosky was the individual champion with a 71, leading the Golden Warriors to a 306 and the team title as well. Marmion, Vernon Hills and Wheaton Academy each had 311s, with Marmion and Vernon Hills advancing on fifth score cards.
Class 1A at Freeport Aquin: Elgin Academy junior Andrew Dykun shot an 82 at Park Hills West to make the cut and advance to this weekend’s Class 1A state finals at Prairie Vista in Bloomington. Pearl City’s Connor Thompson shot a 75 to win the tournament.
John Radtke contributed to this report