Golf team headed to nationals for third time

What a way to end the season. From a 20- to a two-shot deficit, the Cyclones battled their way to a runners-up position in the NJCAA Region IV tournament (Oct. 8-10) qualifying them for the national tournament in May, only the third time in Cyclone golf history the entire team accomplished the feat.

After securing an Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference co-championship with Waubonsee Community College on Sept. 28, that was the team they were chasing at regionals. Typically Black Hawk College is the team to beat every year, but after the first day of the tournament, they were tied and behind the Chiefs by 20 shots. The Cyclones responded well the following two days, coming in two shots back, good enough for second and a berth to the national tournament in Indiana in May.

Matt Contey, who was an individual national qualifier last year, helped his team follow in his footsteps by shooting 78, 77, 79. Helping the cause were Connor Lille (84, 75, 79), who has been solid all season, John Orowick (80, 78, 81), Steve Andreano (85, 83, 81), and Dave Karwoski (83, 86, 83). Contey finished third, Lille was fifth and Orowick was eighth on the All-Region team.

“I’m very happy. It was a great way to finish the year. It was a great weekend, and the guys came through,” said Coach Bob Freudenthal. “Those guys are pretty close. They stick together. They play their game and don’t put too much pressure on themselves. They have a great attitude, and it shows. They play with great confidence. Our theme was to play loose and play your game. They did really well, and I’m proud of them.”