Girls golf: Barrington sends Schoeck into retirement with another 2nd
Hall of Famer Jodi Schoeck left the state finals in Decatur as the Barrington girls golf coach for the final time on Saturday.
And the retiring 32-year veteran departed with another piece of hardware for the Fillies' crammed trophy case.
For the third consecutive year, Barrington placed second in the Class 2A state finals at Hickory Point Golf Club.
St. Charles North won the crown with a score of 610 followed by the Fillies (618) and Lincoln-Way Central (624).
"I have been so blessed to coach Barrington golf all these years," said Schoeck after taking her 12th team to the state finals. "I have been so fortunate. It's been great to be in the company of all the wonderful players, coaches and parents for the past 32 seasons.
"It has been an honor and privilege to walk the journey together this season. The team is ready to compete hard next year and carry on the tradition of Fillies' golf."
Barrington senior Nicole Ciskowski (150 two-day total) shot an even-par 72 on Saturday while junior Caroline Smith (151 total) came in with a 71 as both placed in the Top 10.
Wisconsin recruit Ciskowski tied for seventh while Wake Forest-bound Smith placed in a tie for 10th that included Wheeling's Adrienne Rohwedder, who fired a 73 on Saturday.
"Nicole and Caroline have had awesome years and both finished in the Top 10 in state," Schoeck said.
Completing the scorecard for the Mid-Suburban League champs were freshman Mara Janess (155), senior Ishani Majmudar (162), senior Olivia Lee (168) and sophomore Sophia Denison (172).
The Fillies started the day in third place, 13 strokes off the lead, behind St. Charles North and Loyola.
They shot the low 18 hole score on Saturday.
"We gave St. Charles North a run in the middle of the day as we got to within 4 strokes following 5 birdies in a row by Caroline and many pars and birds by Nicole and Mara," Schoeck said. "We fought hard in the very tough wind, rain and snow on Friday. We always talk about bouncing back from adversity and this team sure did that (Saturday). This team has been all in it together since day one."
Schoeck's seniors (Ciskowski, Majmudar and Lee) have a combined eight trips to the state tournament.
"Nothing can replace that experience," Schoeck said. "These girls have the hearts of champions and are warriors on the course. They fought and battled until the last putt dropped."
Majmudar sank a 17-yard chip on No. 18 to the delight of the crowd.
"Ishani and Mara (Janess) both had solid days," Schoeck added. "Mara came on strong in her first state tournament."
Getting a top-ten medal was a major goal for Wheeling's Rohwedder.
She was 55th as a sophomore and 14th last fall.
"We were sweating it out when she bogeyed her last hole," said Wildcats coach Peggy Ellsworth. "We were hoping it wouldn't throw her out of contention."
Rohwedder put her self right into contention on Saturday by firing a 2-under 34 on the front nine with back-to -back birdies on the front nine.
"She was dialed in on front nine," Ellsworth added. "She even missed a few birdies putts which could have lowered her score to 4-under.
"It was a great way for her to go out her senior year."
Next stop for Rohwedder will be playing D-I golf at Illinois State.
"Getting in the top ten was my goal," she said. "My putts were pretty good and my approach shots, too. I just enjoyed being part of our team."
St. Viator's Cate Reisinger, who was 14th in the Class 1A tourney as a freshman, placed 23rd this fall in 2A.
"Cate was really solid," said Lions coach Mick Drewes. "She had a few hiccups in the middle of her round (Saturday) but she fought through it and played really well. She was putting very nicely and striking the ball solid. So those were two strong points. Good things are definitely ahead for her."
Conant senior Michelle Zhang had a two-day score of 169 and placed tied for 57th.