Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008

Salem Sectional will be next test for Crusaders

Althoff took title at Carbondale Regional

The Althoff Crusaders didn't have long to celebrate their Class 2A regional golf championship.

Less than 48 hours after capturing the Carbondale Regional title, the Crusaders will put their season on the line again today when they compete in the rugged Salem Sectional.

Led by sophomore James Leopold and freshman Sam Lidisky, the Crusaders posted a one-stroke win over Waterloo at Hickory Ridge Golf Course.

Leopold shot 74, while Lidisky carded a 78 for Althoff.

But with Class 2A always strong Centralia and host Salem in the 12-team field, the stakes will be higher and the scores will be lower when play begins at 9 a.m. today at Salem Country Club.

"I told the kids after we won the regional that while I was very proud of them, that we would probably need to shoot 310 or better to have a chance to get out. I think we've got the ability to do that," Althoff coach Dan Polites said. "I just wish there were three teams advancing to state instead of just two."

The top two teams and top eight individuals not on those teams advance to the Class 2A State Tournament, Oct. 17-18 at Weibring Golf Course at Illinois State University in Normal.

Leopold and Lidisky are the keys for Althoff. Leopold advanced to the Class 2A state finals a year ago while Lidisky has long been one of the metro-east's top junior players.

"We don't have a lot of experience at this level," Polites said. "Our goal was to have a good practice round, develop a plan and then be able to execute that gameplan."

"I think Centralia is the favorite today and in my mind they've got a great chance to win the state tournament. That means you've got three and maybe four teams fighting for that second spot."

Waterloo will be led by Carbondale Regional medalist Wils Hawn and Chris Pickett.

Highland, which earned a sectional berth with a third-place finish at the Centralia Sectional, is led by Michael Trobaugh and Brendan Bargetzi.

Other top individuals competing today include Jimmy Konsky of Triad, Andrew Kampwerth and Rob Donnewald of Mater Dei and Mascoutah's Alec White and Matt McKenzie.

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