THE REPORTER
The Westfield boys golf team defended its regional championship on Friday.
The Shamrocks played consistent all across the board, and that helped them to a victory at Coyote Crossing Golf Club in Lafayette. Westfield won the Harrison regional with a team score of 297, and also qualified for next week’s IHSAA state finals at Prairie View Golf Club.
Second-ranked Guerin Catholic placed second with a 304, and will get the chance to defend its state title next week. The Golden Eagles also had the meet medalist, as Jacob Modleski turned in an outstanding round to finish on top. No. 6 Zionsville placed third with a 306 and earned the third and final qualifying spot.
Westfield had four of its players finish in the top 11 – or the top seven, as Shamrocks coach Josh Bryant pointed out that two of his golfers were part of a five-way tie for seventh place.
Jake Cesare was Westfield’s low man, as he carded an even-par 72 for individual runner-up honors. Cesare totaled five birdies, including three in a row on holes 15, 16 and 17. Will Harvey tied for third with a 73, draining two birdies.
Matt Shull and Alec Cesare were both part of the seventh-place tie, scoring 76s. Shull made two birdies and Alec Cesare had one. Cam Kooi rounded out the Shamrocks’ lineup with a 79, draining one birdie.
“This was our first event for everybody in a tournament setting at Coyote,” said Bryant. “And it is a really demanding course. I was really proud of our guys. We had a little bit of adversity in the middle of the back nine after a very good front nine. I’m proud of them getting through that stretch.”
Bryant expanded on the reasons why he felt Coyote Crossing was a tough-but-fair course.
“It’s demanding off the tee with trouble left and right,” he said. “There’s certain greens where you have to be in the right position or you’re going to have to three-putt it. Not having played it under competition, you don’t know exactly how firm they’re going to bring it in tournament. It was very good today.”
The regional victory was the fourth in program history for Westfield, and the ‘Rocks qualified for state for the eighth time.
Meanwhile, Guerin Catholic continued its state-qualifying streak, advancing to Prairie View for the fourth consecutive year. Golden Eagles coach Mark Mathews said it was “a rough day,” but he was pleased that his team is going back to state.
“You always hope for the banners and stuff, but at the end of the day, it’s about getting there,” said Mathews.
Jacob Modleski ran away with the individual medalist honors. He finished with a three-under par 69, making him the only player to go under par at the regional. Modleski drained four birdies in his round.
Guerin Catholic’s Jacob Modleski carded a threeunder
par 69 to win medalist honors. The Golden
Eagles were second as a team and advanced to
the state finals, where they will try to defend their state championship. (Photo provided)
“Jacob played pretty flawless golf,” said Mathews. “The only blemish on his card was the 18th hole,” where he made his lone bogey. But he had first-place well in hand by then.
“It was a great round of golf to watch,” said Mathews. The coach also praised the course as well, saying Coyote Crossing “gave us a great golf course. It was not easy. It was a very good golf course.”
Leo Wessel tied for fifth place by scoring 75, a round that included one birdie. Mathews said Wessel played “solid golf” in his round. Zach Theime added a 79.
“Westfield played very well, very solid golf,” said Mathews. “We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
But the Golden Eagles will have their chance to defend their state title.
“I’m excited about the opportunity,” said Mathews. “At the end of the day, our season boils down to state.”
Carmel had one player advance to state as an individual. Mason Price carded a 75, tying for fifth place with Wessel. Price had three birdies in his round. Two other Greyhounds competed at the regional: Joseph Armfield scored a 79, making one birdie, and Austin Kent scored an 82, with two birdies.
AT COYOTE CROSSING
Team scores: Westfield 297, Guerin Catholic 304, Zionsville 306, Brebeuf Jesuit 328, Faith Christian 336, Brownsburg 338, Plainfield 343, West Lafayette 351, Mooresville 353, Southmont 363, Tri-West 365, Covenant Christian 382, Lafayette Central Catholic 387, North Montgomery 390, Ben Davis 405.
Medalist: Jacob Modleski (Guerin Catholic) 33-36=69.
Westfield scores: Jake Cesare 35-37=72, Will Harvey 35-38=73, Alec Cesare 37-39=76, Matt Shull 38-38=76, Cam Kooi 41-38=79.
Other Guerin Catholic scores: Leo Wessel 38-37=75, Zach Thieme 39-40=79, Eli Wessel 38-42=81, Owen Nielsen 45-39=84.
Carmel scores: Mason Price 38-37=75, Joseph Armfield 38-41=79, Austin Kent 40-42=82.