Second generation Oakton golfer leads team’s fall season

Sophomore team captain Anthony Calderone (Maine East High School) will set the tone for the rest of his teammates during the upcoming fall season for the Oakton Owls men’s golf team. Golf is in his blood as Anthony’s father also played for Oakton.

“Anthony will be our No. 1 golfer,” said Owls head coach Louis Walker. “What sets him apart is that he is extremely competitive and also has a huge drive off the tee.”

Walker also noted freshmen Stephen Bukielski. (Schaumburg High School), Chris Blaha (Conant High School), Richard Burke (Notre Dame High School) and Peter Leftakes (Glenbrook South High School) are expected to make immediate contributions because of their strong high school varsity experience.

“Steve has an outstanding short game while Chris is good off the tee,” said Walker. “Meanwhile, Richard and Peter are just incredibly consistent. The team is going to mesh very well. Also, the newcomers are hungry to prove themselves and that will come in extremely handy when we play tough opponents during conference and regional matches.”

Walker said the team, is extremely familiar with the Owls’ home course – the Sportsman Golf Club in Northbrook. Being all local players they have all played it numerous times.

The Owls start the season Friday, August 26 at the Highland 36 Golf Tournament at the Parks Hill Golf Course in Freeport, sponsored by Highland Community College.

“That will be an early test for us,” Walker said. “Not only will we be competing against conference and regional players, we’ll also be going up against several athletes from four-year schools from Wisconsin and Iowa.”

Last season, the Owls finished fourth in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and 10th in National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV.

“We’re anticipating another competitive season and looking to make a strong push to win the Skyway Conference,” Walker said.