Homewood-Flossmoor High School Golf Hopeful for Trip to State

Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Varsity Golf team is playing in the sectional tournament on Monday, October 13, Columbus Day, at Balmoral Country Club in Crete.

The team placed third in a very difficult regional last Tuesday. The top three teams will advance to the state tournament in Bloomington on October 17–18. It is the goal to go as an entire team to the state tournament, with a group of boys that grew up together since grade school. The team is led by the lone senior Ted Wick, who plays the second spot. Ted keeps the mood light on the course with his wit and humor. Although he can crack jokes in the most intense circumstances, Wick can always be counted on to put a great score. He has been a three-year varsity member and has contributed greatly to the team.

In the number one spot is junior Jack Mulligan. Mulligan shoots consistently in the 70’s and always looks to help his teammates with their game, while improving his own. He is a three-year varstiy member and a two-time state qualifier.

Junior Preston Gennett holds the number three spot on the team. Gennett is a bona fide golf nut who can compete with anyone with his golf trivia knowledge. He is an excellent golfer who works extensively to improve his game.

Rounding out the final three spots are juniors Brent Hughes, Jack Calderone and Kevin Steiner. These boys also take lessons year round and can always be seen at the putting green and driving range, practicing to put up their best score possible for the team.

The team is coached by head coach Chris Stiglic who is a great supporter and father figure to many of the boys. New to the staff this year is Craig Bowen, an HF alum, as the swing coach.

“Stig is always there for us to settle us down and Coach Bowen has been instrumental in improving my mechanics this year,” junior Kevin Steiner said.

When asked about the team and the upcoming sectional, Bowen gushed with pride.

”This group of exceptional young athletes are coming together at just the right time,” he said. “This is by far the most coachable group of golfers that I have ever encountered... We are expecting big things to come from this Monday’s sectional championship and the return of the Viking golf legacy of the past.”

Golfers can qualify as individuals but to go as an entire team would be a dream come true, for a bunch of boys that played little league baseball together. We wish them luck on Monday.