On the road again: Golf team to nationals

by: chris hassel
Staff Writer

For the 16^th time in the last 18 years the men’s golf team will be heading to nationals in the spring. The Fighting Bees posted rounds of 289 and 291 in Peoria, Illinois at the Region VII championship held Oct. 17-18.

"We are very excited to be going back," coach Jeff Griebel said. "We have a young team this year, but they have really worked hard. I’m proud of them."

The Bees got solid scores from all six golfers, with scores ranging from 146 to 148. The low scores were turned in by freshman Adam White, and sophomore Tim Harrigan who each tallied 146 for the two-day tournament.

"I thought we played well as a team," White said. "I took an eight on a par four. Other than that I played well too."

When one team member faltered, another would pick him right back up. In the first round, both Jimmy Martinelli and Adam White shot 76. However, Tim Harrigan shot a 68, while senior Bryan Lemkau shot 71.

"It was a total team effort," Griebel said. "We didn’t have that one outstanding effort, but we got solid scores from every one of our players."

On day two Harrigan and Lemkau struggled with rounds of 78 and 77 respectively. White and Marinelli then went low, carding rounds of 70 and 71 respectively.

"It worked out perfectly for us," Griebel said. "I don’t think I could have scripted it any better."

SAU didn’t have a single player in the top six, but all six Fighting Bees' players finished in the top 15.

The Bees will return to Prarie Highlands Golf Club in Olathe, Kansas where they finished in 19^th place last year.

"I think our guys have some motivation this year," Griebel said. "They want to prove that we are better than what we showed last season."

The Bees finish the year with five first-place finishes and a stroke average of 297. Drew Chuipek led the way with an average round of 72, five top-four finishes, and an all-conference selection.

"He’s definitely been the most improved player on the team this year," Griebel said. "He shaved four strokes off his game, and has emerged as the team leader."

St. Ambrose might be young this season, but according to coach Griebel, that might be beneficial.

"Last year we had a veteran team with high expectations, and we didn’t play too well at nationals," Griebel said. "Now, we are young and almost everyone will be here next year. There is no pressure on us going down there, and that’s a good position to be in."

The Bees will take advantage of the warm weather this fall, and then shut it down for a month or two in the winter before tuning up for the spring season.

"I’ll take a nice break," White said. "But after Christmas break, I’ll be ready to start hitting some balls again."

The national tournament will take place May 16-19. The Fighting Bees will take a break this winter, and return to action on March 27, at the Western Illinois Invitational.