Good news goes on for Waubonsie Valley
Waubonsie Valley nearly enjoyed a monopoly Wednesday afternoon at Phillips Park Golf Course in Aurora.
The Warriors boys golf squad came to the Aurora City Tournament full of momentum after a critical Upstate Eight Conference dual victory over St. Charles East on Tuesday.
The good times continued courtesy of Thomas O'Bryan, Josh Stefanski and Alec Meyer.
O'Bryan, the Warriors' junior ace, parlayed a flawless opening nine into top individual honors with a 1-over-par 72.
Stefanski was equally consistent with a 74, good for second by himself, and Meyer authored a 1-under inward nine to finish his third-place 75.
When Alex Koulos came home with a 79 in the fifth slot, Waubonsie Valley cruised to the team title with a 300.
Marmion, the defending champion, was second at 310, followed by Aurora Christian (323), West Aurora (329), Aurora Central Catholic (337), East Aurora (406) and IMSA (410).
It was the second 18-hole tournament title of the season for O'Bryan, who began his day with 8 pars and a birdie to shoot 34 on the front nine.
Had his putter not deserted him on his closing stretch O'Bryan could have been much lower.
"It could have been a real low round today," O'Bryan said. "I wish I could have got the putter going. I hit the ball well enough to cover my putting."
Stefanski took an entirely different route to his twin 37s.
The junior negated 4 bogeys with a trio of birdies on the front nine before playing more conventionally on the backside.
"I was looking to come in with a low round," Stefanski said. "The undulation on the backside is difficult, especially with the wind. We came out here with a good attitude and ready to win."
"It makes such a difference to have a player like Thomas," said Waubonsie Valley coach Dave Owles. "This is the deepest team we've had in a while."
Marmion teammates Tim Johnson and Joe Lappin were fourth and fifth, respectively, with matching 76s to lead the Cadets. Roy Logan and Taylor Kanute added contributing scores of 78 and 80, respectively, for Marmion.
"I'm very happy," said Marmion coach Jen Konen. "I'm happy to be back with a respectable score. We have been struggling of late."
Keith Reinert fired a 78, good for sixth place overall, to lead Aurora Christian, which also received a 79 from Ryan Heun.
West Aurora sectional returnees Nick Pavlik and Grant Lavery had an 80 and 81, respectively, to lead the Blackhawks. Jake Bauer and Tommy Goulding carded 84s to complete West Aurora's scoring.
"This is the lowest score we've had all season," said West Aurora coach Jay Bauer. "I thought the conditions were pretty tough. We haven't had any wind in two weeks."
Rob Taptich was the low man for Aurora Central with an 81.
Jon Henricks' 78 was good for seventh place to lead IMSA.