Boys Golf Chase to Sectionals

The boys golf team is looking forward to making a run down to sectionals this year.  Their top four varsity golfers consist of Kris Strnad, Max Recht, Mike LeBeau and Jack Kemper.  These golfers have put a lot of time into their games over their years as Bulldogs.  Now they are looking to take their talents to sectionals this season.

The Varsity Bulldog golfers had three invites between August 16-21.  The Bulldogs came in third place at the Nazareth invite as Strnad shot a 75, second overall in the tourney, and Kemper shot an 80.  At the Addison Trail invite the Bulldogs finished 15^th overall against some of the state’s top teams such as Hinsdale Central and Lyons Township.  Lastly, the Bulldogs competed in the Lemont invite.  Strnad shot an 85, while Kemper and Recht each shot an 86, to lead the Bulldogs to a 10^th place finish.  More recently, the Bulldogs faced off against De La Salle on Tuesday September 7^th.  It was awfully windy this day, but Lebeau managed to shoot a 40 while Strnad shot a 41.

When Kemper, a junior varsity golfer, was asked about his chances at sectionals he said, “Pretty good if I can keep my game consistent.”  Kemper believes that Timothy Christian and Illiana Christian will be their toughest in conference competition this season.

Lebeau, a top senior varsity golfer, said, “Yes, if the top four stay consistent,” when asked if they will make it to sectionals.  LeBeau has been playing golf since he was a young boy, so he does not lack any experience.

Matt Meindl, a Riverside-Brookfield graduate, went down to sectionals last season for the Bulldogs.  Meindl has golfed with this year’s team during practice to teach them what it takes to get to sectionals.  He looks to continue his golfing career this year at North Central College.  Meindl made it to sectionals last year for the Bulldogs, so now the real question is who will step up this year for the Bulldogs?

Miendl takes regionals

Unfortunately, in the busy world of athletics at Riverside-Brookfield High School, the name Matt Miendl is one most commonly associated with the varsity basketball team’s bench. This is where the senior had spent his winter season. Waiting for those few precious moments when he would win the crowd over with his incredible acts of athleticism, but unless you were able to catch a golf meet this year, you have yet to seen half of his ability.

Miendl has been able to show off his talents at the surrounding golf courses, and just recently was able to capture the regional championship, shoot an impressive seventy-two.

He began golfing at the age of nine, when his father would take him to their country club and teach him the basics. Since then he’s always had a special place in his heart for the game, but it wasn’t un till just two years ago when Miendl began to take golf seriously and signed up for private lessons at Oak Brook.  Which he claims to be a huge part of his success.

“The lessons were a big help, I credit a lot of my success to him.” explained Miendl. “My game truly elevated to another level after that”, but according to Miendl there seemed to be one more component to his success.

Larry Rocco.

Rocco has been the head coach for all four of Miendl’s years and was no doubt a favorite topic.

“Rocco, what can I say, one of the greatest and funniest men you’ll meet in your life. He’ll live forever, he’s just got it,” Meindl said.

For Miendl, next year won’t include coach Rocco, as he still is currently looking for a new coach to play for at the collegiate level.

“Illinois Weslyan is a really good school and I’m interested, but for now so much it’s up for grabs.”