Reigning Moraine Valley golf conference champs shooting for a repeat

The talent is there for the Moraine Valley Community College golf team. Now it’s up to the golfers to capitalize on that skill and repeat their 2014 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship and then some.

The Cyclones clinched the conference championship last October and All-Region player Matt Contey (Lincoln-Way East) qualified for nationals in the NJCAA Region IV Tournament. He shot 79, 76, 80, and 76 over four days at nationals in Alabama. Contey and his fellow All-Conference player David Karwoski (Oak Forest) are back for another go at the conference title along with returners John Orowick (Lincoln-Way North), Scott Borden (Oak Forest) and John Nagle (Lockport). Contey will be the go-to guy this year. Karwoski had a respectable first year and will be expected to contribute to defend the crown. Orowick is a big hitter and one of the power players on the team. Borden finished 2014 strong and will continue that run this season. Nagle is the most improved player by far, getting better with each swing on the course.

A handful of newcomers will help the cause. Steve Andreano (Minooka) has a solid game and was a big contributor at his high school. Conner Liloe (Oak Forest) is a strong player who will be contending for a spot in the top five. Robert Stark (Stagg) is a former high school football player and an imposing figure on the links.

Contey, Karwoski and Orowick are expected to lead the way this season, and any other player has the ability to step up and help the cause. The Cyclones want to repeat as conference champs, add a regional championship and trip to nationals to top off 2015.

“I’m cautiously optimistic. We have the potential to do well, but they need to step up. We have the talent to compete at conference and regionals, especially with the returners,” said Coach Bob Freudenthal, going into his 25th year with the Cyclones. “All I ask for is a respectable season.”

Visit www.morainevalley.edu/athletics or follow the Cyclones on Facebook at morainevalleycyclones and Twitter @MVCyclones.