Colbert converts final chance at title

Cary-Grove's Brian Colbert came up with a performance months in the making.

Not long after the end of the 2006-07 school year, the senior standout competed last summer on the Illinois State Junior Amateur tour in preparation for one last shot at the state qualifying berth that had eluded him his first two seasons.

Colbert proved last week he's ready. Decked out in his championship blue shirt, lucky pants and plaid golf cap, the senior fired an even-par 71 to capture the FVC title at Oak Grove Golf Course in Harvard Sept. 27. Colbert, who ended up fourth (79) at the FVC Meet a year ago, won by 5 strokes over Crystal Lake Central's Griffin Bauman.

"It means a lot to all of us," Cary-Grove coach Kelly Muzzy said. "Brian is our leader and for him to win this tournament is special.

"I'm personally very proud of Brian for this and all of his accomplishments over the years. It's been fun watching him improve since I met him back in the day."

His amazing performance put the Trojans in position to challenge co-leader Prairie Ridge for the conference crown. But after the scores poured in, it was Central (319) who secured the FVC championship by 5 strokes over C-G (324). Woodstock took third (328), McHenry was fourth (333) and Prairie Ridge fell out of the race in fifth (339).

Junior Ryan Kwech, the Trojans' No. 2 golfer, stayed consistent and finished ninth with a respectable 81. Senior Dave Ptaszek came through with a solid round and took 18th with an 85.

"I thought our team played well," Muzzy said. "Central is a great team and they deserved to win. Hats off to them. They have a good chance to make it Downstate as a team now that they are 2A."

C-G was scheduled to compete in the Class 3A Prairie Ridge Regional at Prairie Isle Golf Course earlier in the week. Joining the Trojans were Jacobs, Dundee-Crown and Crystal Lake South.

The Golden Eagles finished sixth (343) at the FVC Meet behind freshman Scott Cahill's sixth-place 79 and junior Donnie Langland's 25th-place 86.

For the Gators, who placed seventh (344), senior Justin Thrailkill was 14th (84) and junior Nick Rueter was 22nd (85).

The eighth-place Chargers (345) were paced by sophomore Jarrett Wollenberg (8th, 81) and junior Sam Johnson (12th, 82).

Senior Alex Zielinski posted Huntley's best score with a 92 at Oak Grove. The Red Raiders ended up 12th in the tournament with 405 strokes.

The McHenry Sectional at Oak Grove Monday awaits qualifiers. Colbert came within a stroke of advancing Downstate two years ago and could not make it out of the sectional round again as a junior with an 83.

"I like the fact that Brian played big in the big tournament," Muzzy added. "From here on out the tournaments get better and better and I like the way he rises to the challenge.

"If our team doesn't move forward, at least our younger guys are experiencing the pressures of these tournaments."

GIRLS: Dundee-Crown senior Beth Nowicke earned runner-up honors with an 88 (41-47) at the FVC Tournament at Crystal Woods in Woodstock Sept. 26.

Senior Erin Hayes also finished top five (92) for the Chargers, who finished fifth (461). D-C was to play in the Glenbrook North Regional at Sportsman Country Club in Northbrook Wednesday.

Prairie Ridge captured the conference title at 389 and Crystal Lake (co-op) was second, 19 strokes back (408).

Playing with the girls for the first time this season, Huntley sophomore Katlyn Anderberg was third with a 91 (43-48).

Sophomore Maria Tamburrino led Jacobs, which finished sixth (504), with a 110 (56-54). The Golden Eagles, Tigers and Red Raiders were to compete in the Lake Forest Regional at Lake Bluff Golf Course earlier in the week.