Trojans, Grassel keep titles

VALPARAISO -- Ho hum.

Led by two-time sectional champion Ryan Grassel, No. 5-ranked Chesterton easily defended its sectional golf title Friday.

The Trojans take an 18-0 record to Friday's LaPorte Regional at a tough Beechwood course. They shot 289, with Valparaiso and Michigan City each at 318. The Vikings were second by one shot, based on fifth-man Steve Bowker's 84.

Those teams and the top three individuals not on them make regional. They are Wheeler's Julian Redondo (79) and Ilija Labovic (80) and Knox's Chris Newbauer, who lost a playoff to Redondo.

Chesterton swept the top three spots. Grassel carded a 1-under 69 at Forest Park. Fellow junior Nick Stasil rode a super 31 (3-under) on the back nine to 70 and senior Kyle Grassel shot 74; he was sectional champ (72) two years ago before Ryan took over.

"I'm very happy. The kids played real well," Trojans coach John Sparks said. "Sure there was pressure being the favorite but they've handled it pretty well all year. The back nine is a big challenge with some tough, quirky holes. Chesterton's lost on the back nine before."

It was no problem for Stasil who went birdie-eagle-birdie on Nos. 14, 15 and 16.

"His 31 is absolutely incredible," Ryan Grassel said. "It's ridiculous. I shot great on the back for 1-over."

The 31 may be a record for the back nine at the 36-34 course.

On the par-5, 470-yard 15th, Stasil nearly drove out of bounds. He hit a 5-iron 180 yards to the right fringe and sank a 35-footer.

"I just wanted to get it close," he said. On 14 he was under a tree and punched out to within four feet. "I had to keep it low." He also birdied No. 3.

Stasil got fired up after three-putting No. 9, missing a 2-footer.

"I was a little furious," he said.

Ryan Grassel liked his round.

"I hit the ball really well and kept it in play," he said. "I missed a couple of short putts but my long game was great."

It was his season best, after twice scoring par. It also was Stasil's season low; he'd been 1-over twice. Grassel birdied Nos. 9, 12 and 18; he punched a shot 70 yards from under a tree on No. 9 to within 12 feet.

Grassel's best shot was a chip-in for eagle on the 475-yard No. 2, his second hole.

"I landed it about 15 yards away and it rolled in for a great start," he said.

Grassel said Chesterton was hoping for the sectional record (277) set in 2005 by the Trojans.

"That helped keep our focus," he said.

Valparaiso got 79s from junior Brian Bartholomew, sophomore Jeff Lenz and freshman Dan Sepiol. Freshman Logan Bertalan shot 81. Coach Wayne Lichtenberger returns his top five and will add a solid freshman.

"We were very good on the back nine," he said. "That saved us, with a 38 and three 39s. Our kids didn't quit or wear out."

Bartholomew and Lenz fired season bests.

"Lenz has really struggled but has turned it around the last two weeks," Lichtenberger said. "There are no second chances now."

It's been years since Wheeler advanced anyone. Redondo, a senior, was one off his season-best of 78. Labovic was ecstatic. The junior missed advancing last year by one shot (83).

"I feel good," he said, despite missing six 6-foot putts.

A shotgun start, suggested by club pro Mike Hainline, shaved 3-4 hours off the day.

"Coaches like it and it lets kids go to graduation," Lichtenberger said.

Chesterton is making its 15th regional appearance to Valparaiso's 20th.

The Vikings have 11 titles, the last in 2006.