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Hersey's Kopeny grateful for collegiate golf opportunity

Megan Kopeny is still undecided as to what subject she will study at Winthrop College in South Carolina.

But as the subject of many great high school golf rounds at area courses, the Hersey senior can't wait to go after a few more at the Division I collegiate level.

Kopeny, a state-qualifying golfer for the Huskies this fall, will compete for the Eagles next school year.

"I love this sport so much and am thrilled to continue my career at Winthrop University," said Kopeny who placed in the top 15 at the MSL meet this fall at Arlington Lakes Golf Club in Arlington Heights.

"Only a few minutes into the meeting with (Winthrop) coach (Jodi) Wendt, I knew that her program and coaching style was a match for me. She believed in me and my work ethic enough to want me on her team and I am still unbelievably grateful for that. I am so excited to work and improve under her guidance at Winthrop University."

Kopeny visited a number of schools in the Carolinas.

"I was really hoping to play golf year round," she said. "And in the heart of the golf industry."

Kopeny didn't begin participating in golf tournaments until she was a freshman.

However, at the age of 12, she met her first golf coach (former PGA tour player Bill Wadden).

"He became more than my golf coach," Kopeny said. "He was a mentor, a friend and a grandfather figure in my life. He taught me so much about the game of golf and about life. I realize now that Bill was the reason I fell in love with the game."

Wadden passed away in February at the age of 84.

A Lifetime Member of the PGA of America and a Class A PGA Professional, he played in the 1988 U.S. Senior Open at the Medinah Country Club.

At 69 years old, he accomplished every golfer's lifetime dream of shooting his age. Wadden amassed more than 40 years of teaching and golf merchandising experience.

"He instilled in me an intense desire to succeed through hard work and humility," Kopeny said. "I have never forgotten the advice Bill gave me on a variety of topics and cherish the time we spent together to this day. I still hold his values dear and try to continue his legacy every day."

Since she began playing golf, it was Kopeny's goal to be accepted into a Division I University.

"It has always been a dream of mine," she said. "Since I started golf later than most other girls, I have always felt a bit behind the curve."

Kopeny was never sure if she would earn a chance to play at the D-1 level.

"But I have made sure to commit my time in the past few years to golf to help me achieve my dream," she said. "I am so lucky to have been welcomed into a D-I university by coach Wendt and look forward to continuing to work on my dream on a skilled team and under a supportive coach."

Kopeny is also grateful for her golf academy, The Players Service.

"It helped build my skills and showed me how to become a well-rounded player and person," she said. "My coaches, Dan Kochevar, John Perna, and Kyle Slechta help make golf the great sport that it is and I am honored to be a part of such a group of talented individuals."

There were no players from Illinois on the Winthrop roster this season.

Women's volleyball

Harper setter Katelyn Sommers (Buffalo Grove) was recently selected for the NJCAA Division III 'Player of the Week.'

In a span of three wins, Sommers recorded double-doubles in assists and digs in all 3 matches.

She has helped lead the Hawks to the No. 1 ranking in the nation and a 38-1 regular season record.

Men's golf

Oakton Community College freshman golfers Stephen Bukielski (Schaumburg) and Chris Blaha (Conant) will compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Men's Golf Championship at the Longbow Golf Course May 23-26 in Mesa, Ariz.

The Owls qualified for nationals with their performances at the NJCAA Region IV Regional Tournament at Deer Park Country Club in Oglesby.

Bukielski and Blaha competed against 50 other golfers from 11 area colleges in the 54-hole competition.

Bukielski placed third overall, shooting 225, and Blaha finished eighth with his score of 231.

They were both named to the NJCAA Region IV All-Region first team. The top 15 golfers qualified for the national championship.

"I'm on cloud nine for both Steve and Chris," said Oakton coach Louis Alker in the school's news release. "They definitely earned it, as they played well all season for us. Having two representatives compete in the national tournament is great for our golf program as well as Oakton. I anticipate they'll do well because they are outstanding golfers. It's hard to believe they're only freshmen."

Earlier this season, the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference named Bukielski and Blaha to its all-conference first team.

Football

Augustana freshman Bobby Jarosz (Prospect) led the Vikings in rushing with 51 yards on 9 carries while Jack Asquini (Buffalo Grove) was credited with a game-high 12 tackles in a 42-21 loss to North Central.

Vikings sophomore safety John Asquini had an interception and his brother Jack recovered a fumble and had two tackles for losses.

Junior Cougar wrestling

The Junior Cougar Wrestling Club will be holding registration on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Conant High School wrestling room. Practices will begin on Nov. 8 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. All athletes from 1st through 8th grade are welcome to attend. No experience needed. For more information contact Brad Bessemer at bessemerm@comcast.net.

• Please email Sports Notes items to jleusch@dailyherald.com.

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