St. Vincent foursome finds way into team competition

It may not have been the conventional way to the state tournament, but the St. Vincent golf team will compete today and Tuesday for the Class 1 title at the Island Green Golf Course in Republic, Mo.

While a rules change this season gave just district champions automatic team berths for the state tournament, St. Vincent was able to place four individuals in the top 10 at the district meet and thus can compete in the team standings at the state tournament.

"Last year, we kind of snuck in, and this year we snuck in the back door again, so they feel like we're a lucky team," St. Vincent coach Tom Prost said.

Zach Richardet had St. Vincent's top finish at the district tournament. Jacob DeWilde, a senior who also competed in the state championships in football and basketball this season, is the hottest of St. Vincent's four golfers heading to state.

"Jacob DeWilde the last couple of matches has been really steady," Prost said.

Corey Brueckner and Danny Rellergert also will make the trip to the state tournament for the Indians. Rellergert also was a key contributor to the state champion football team and runner-up basketball team.

Prost said while some of the team members have been a bit inconsistent, there is still a lot of potential in the group.

"They've all got the potential," Prost said. "They've all shot in the 30s, they've done it already, but can they do it when it counts?"

Central junior Blake Driskell likely will be the area's best hope for individual honors. Driskell has qualified for the state tournament each of the past two years, and he was the medalist in the Class 4 District 1 meet.

Also making the trip to the Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club in Bolivar, Mo., for the Class 4 tournament will be Central junior Kirk Lohmann.

Notre Dame will send two golfers -- Jonathan Blattel and Will Lindman -- to the Class 3 state tournament at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield, Mo.