Ellett eyeing strong finish at state

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:22PM

Connie Ellett's demeanor on the golf course is one that lends itself to having success under the most trying of times.

"She really just puts up a wall around herself and doesn't let things bother her," said Connie's mother and Hampshire's coach, Sue Ellett. "She's just worked too darn hard for this."

The Whip-Purs junior will make her second Class 2A State Finals showing this weekend at Hickory Point Golf Course in Forsyth, near Decatur. This is the first year the tournament is being held there after moving from the Carbondale area.

Connie Ellett placed third in sectional play and was the medalist in leading her team to a first-ever regional title two weeks ago. She shot 160 last year at state to place 25th.

"I just want to improve my scores from last year," Connie said earlier this week. "I'm hitting the ball well and my putting has been good."

She'll join her sister, Taylor, who is making her fourth appearance at state. Taylor finished tied for 43rd last season. Taylor helped Hampshire to three Big Northern Conference titles and was part of a 48-5 dual match record in her tenure.

"It's just neat to see when kids perform at a high level at this time of year," said Sue Ellett.

St. Charles East senior Nicole Rae is also slated to compete in the 2A event.

Boys Golf

Junior Mike Holevas and senior Eric Winters lead the St. Edward contingent into the Class 1A State Finals at Prairie Vista in Bloomington. The Green Wave program has made 21 previous appearances at state but this is the first since 2001.

Holevas was the medalist at Monday's sectional at Golf Club of Illinois. Winters was the individual champion at the Suburban Christian Conference Tournament. Blake Poremba and Dan Winters are also contributors for St. Edward.

Freshman sensation Matt Weber leads Burlington Central into this weekend's Class 2A State Finals at Weibring Golf Club in Normal. Weber won the first two tournaments of his high school career and lost in a playoff for medalist honors at Monday's Freeport Sectional.

The Rockets also counted scores from Matt Allison, Luke Fleming and Alex Power in posting a 313 total in sectional play, tying for second place.

Jacobs senior Scott Cahill, the reigning Elgin Open champion, is making his second appearance at the 3A Finals at The Den at Fox Creek in Bloomington. Cahill tied for 17th last season.

St. Charles East is making its 21st appearance at state as a team and is paced by senior Jordan Wetsch, who tied for 43rd last season. Wetsch tied for fourth at the Naperville Central Sectional, shooting even-par 72.

Others who could factor into East's weekend plans include Stephen Osland and Nick Maze. Jon Woods and Nate Esler are back after gaining State Finals experience in 2009.

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