Tuesday, Oct. 07, 2008

Golfers ready for regional matches

Edwardsville, others work on intangibles

One of the top golf coaches in the Southwestern Conference, Dene Schickedanz of Edwardsville, is realistic when talking about his role in preparing his team for the Class 3A Alton Regional.

Schickedanz's job is to make sure the Tigers' basic needs are covered.

"As a golf coach, we can't put in a play. We can't tell the kids to run the picket fence like they did in 'Hoosiers,"' Schickedanz said. "For me, I like to make sure that the kids have confidence, knowledge of the course that they're going to play and that they're physically ready. Things like making sure they have enough sleep.

"After then it's did the kids practice well enough and in the correct way? Those are the things that show through this time of year."

Schickedanz is hoping the Tigers have done the right thing beginning today when they compete in the Alton Regional at Spencer T. Olin Golf Course beginning at 9 a.m.

The Southwestern Conference co-champion Tigers will battle the other seven SWC schools along with state power Quincy in the nine-team event. The top three schools and top eight individuals not on those three teams advance to the Pekin Sectional on Monday.

Edwardsville, which tuned up for the postseason by winning the Dick Gerber Invitational at Oak Brook Golf Course on Saturday, placed second to Collinsville at the SWC Tournament last week.

The Tigers possess a deep lineup led by Tommy Ponce, Carson Baugher, Devlin Keenoy and Matt Masterson.

"We're playing well and with confidence. We lost to Collinsville by one stroke at the SWC Tournament, but we had six players break 80 that day. That's pretty solid," Schickedanz said. "Right now there are no excuses. You're either ready to play or you're probably going home early."

Collinsville coach Garry Henson, whose team got a 1-over par 73 from Zac Holland to help them win the SWC Tournament at Belk Park in Wood River, will battle Quincy and Edwardsville for the regional title.

"It would be nice to win a regional. But our goal is to advance to the sectional. If we're able to stay near Edwardsville and Quincy, we feel like we've got a good chance," Henson said. "We like and play well at (Spencer) Olin. We'll be ready."

The Kahoks have perhaps the top one-two punch in Southern Illinois in senior Erik Shannahan and junior Colin Ahlvers.

Also with solid chances of advancing individual players are Belleville East, Belleville West and O'Fallon.

Class 2A

Perhaps the top two 2A teams in the area, Althoff and Highland, will compete in different regionals today with the hope of advancing to the Salem Sectional which will be held on Saturday at Salem Club.

Althoff, along with always tough Waterloo and much improved Mascoutah will compete at the Carbondale Regional, which is being held at Hickory Ridge Country Club.

It's been another successful season for the Crusaders, who opened the season by winning the St. Clair County Championship. But as coach Dan Polites is quick to point out, the regular season doesn't count any longer.

"We've had a good year with a 10-4 record, a win at the St. Clair County Championship and three second-place finishes. Now its time to see if we can't advance to the sectional," Polites said. "Our young players have come along well and progressed nicely. It's been a fun group to be around this year."

Sophomore James Leopold, a Class 2A state qualifier a year ago, leads the way for Althoff, while freshmen Austin Von Alst and Sam Lidisky are other top players.

Highland, meanwhile, is competing today at the Centralia Regional which is being held at Greenview Country Club.

Mater Dei and Triad are also in the field at Centralia.

Class 1A

Perennial small-school powers Gibault and Columbia will battle for the regional title at the Central Regional Tournament at Governor's Run Golf Course in Carlyle.

Gibault, which placed second in the Class 1A state finals a year ago behind Byron, is led by senior Spencer Harrison and sophomore Steven Souchek, both of whom played key roles on the Hawks squad a year ago.

"We started out a little slowly this year, but we played well in the Monroe County Championship and have done a good job of getting better as the season has gone on," Hawks coach Scott Ruppel said. "Steven and Spencer play a ton of golf tournaments over the summer so I know they'll play well. The key is getting good scores from my Nos. 3 through 6 players."

Cahokia Conference champion Columbia is led by one of the top players in the area -- in any class -- senior Wes Hillen and junior Drew Weisenborn. Hillen won the Cahokia Conference championship last week.

Other top teams competing in the Central Regional include Freeburg, Sparta and Red Bud.

Nashville, always a threat to advance to the state finals, is competing today at the Benton Regional, which is being held at the Rend Lake Golf Course.

Metro-East Lutheran, featuring one of the state's best in senior Eddie Pluhar, is a heavy favorite at the Alton Marquette Regional which is being held at Rolling Hills Golf Course in Godfrey.

Contact reporter Dean Criddle at 239-2665 or dcriddle@bnd.com.