BOYS GOLF PREVIEW
BY CORRESPONDENT ROB REISCHEL
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
Still the one? Arrowhead has been the dominant force in boys golf in recent history, winning six WIAA Division 1 state titles since 2007, including the 2015 crown. The Warhawks have two key veterans back from that team, as well as a deep roster of promising newcomers to choose from. “Many have worked hard this off-season and are hungry to take those positions,” said Arrowhead coach Greg Budzien. “We have only one goal, which is a secret amongst ourselves.” Based on history, it’s pretty easy to guess what that goal is.
Reclaiming the crown: Catholic Memorial won state titles in 2013 and ’14, then settled for third last season. With three key returnees — including reigning Classic 8 Conference player of the year Michael Immekus — the Crusaders could be poised for a third state title in four years.
Something to prove: Marquette junior Harrison Ott, a Vanderbilt recruit, is widely considered the best player in the area. Ott struggled at sectionals last year, though, and missed the state tournament cut. A similar fate hit former Homestead standout Jordan Niebrugge — now an Oklahoma State star — during his sophomore season of 2010. Niebrugge responded with two memorable years, capped by an individual state title in 2012. Look for Ott to rebound in a similar fashion. PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nate Thomson, sr., Greendale: Thomson was the Journal Sentinel’s area player of the year in 2015 after finishing second at the WIAA Division 1 state tournament. He was also first at regionals and fourth at sectionals. In addition, Thomson was first or second in 10 of his 12 regularseason outings and posted a season average was 74.76.
Patrick Sicula, sr., Whitefish Bay: Sicula is the reigning player of the year in the North Shore Conference. In Sicula’s 13 regular-season outings last year, he finished in the top three 11 times. He also won a sectional title, finished fourth individually at state and posted a season average of 75.42.
Harrison Ott, jr., Marquette: Had the best regular season of any golfer in the area, but had a rough day at sectionals and missed the state tournament. Ott’s season average was a blistering 72.93 and he won player of the year honors in the Greater Metro. Ott, a Vanderbilt recruit, finished in the top three in 15 of his 17 outings, including seven first-place showings. Ott also shot a remarkable 65 at the conference tournament last May.
Bennett Knapek, jr., Arrowhead: Knapek had the top average (76.69) for a Warhawks team that won the Division 1 state title last season. Knapek won five tournaments and finished 12th individually at state. He also set the school record with a 66 at the Ashenfelter Invite.
Michael Immekus, sr., Catholic Memorial: Immekus is the reigning player of the year in the Classic 8. He also won three tournaments during the regular season and helped lead the Crusaders to a third-place finish at the Division 2 state meet. Immekus finished the season with an average of 77.43 and tied for 20th individually at state.
Robbie Morway, jr., Homestead: Had a regular-season average of 76.82 last spring, then got white hot in the postseason. Morway won four of five tournaments to end the regular season and also captured a sectional title.
Josh Trasser, sr., Brookfield Central: Expected to lead what should be a dramatically improved Lancers team. Trasser made great strides a year ago, highlighted by a 21st-place finish at state.
Alex Yost, soph., Arrowhead: Was the area’s top freshman last season and a vital part of Arrowhead’s state title team. Yost had a season average of 78.40, posted 10 top-four finishes and tied for 15th individually at state.
Evan Hussey, sr., Marquette: Had six top-10 finishes a year ago, including a second-place showing at sectionals. Finished with a season average of 78.57.
Adam Garski, soph., Wauwatosa East/West: Qualified for state as a freshman following his runner-up finish at sectionals. Enjoyed a solid summer and should be ready for a big 2016. NOTABLE EVENTS
April 16: Washington County Invite at Washington County Golf Course, 8 a.m.
April 27: Brookfield Central Invite at Wanaki Golf Course, 1 p.m.
April 30: Waukesha North Invite at New Berlin Hills Golf Course, 8:30 a.m.
May 3: Legend Invite at Bristlecone Pines, 1 p.m.
May 10: Homestead Invite at North Shore Country Club, noon.
May 16: Waukesha County Championships at Wanaki Golf Course, 7:30 a.m.