The West Chicago Community High School boys’ golf team faced off against Bartlett at St. Andrews Golf Club in West Chicago on Sept. 19.
Individual performances highlighted the Wildcats’ determination. Senior Nick Temes led the team with a score of 40, followed by seniors Tyler Morini and Brady Munter, as well as junior Andrew Ruszczak, all scoring 46.
Senior Thomas Cabrera shot 49, Logan Reed 53, Ryan Slattery 52, and Alex Hoffman 57. The team’s combined score for the night was 178.
The match also served as Senior Night, a chance to recognize the contributions of the Wildcats’ graduating players. Temes, Munter, Cabrera, Hoffman, and Reed were honored before family and friends for their dedication to the program. To commemorate the occasion, the team shared a meal before the match and celebrated with cupcakes afterward.
“It was a great season. I got a few conference points and played pretty well during half the season. It was a good way to end my senior year,” Munter said.
The team, led this year by Joe McCollum, shared strong camaraderie.
“I had a good time,” Cabrera said, reflecting on his four years with his teammates. “I love playing with guys like [Logan] and hanging out with my friends just to whack golf balls.”
Following the Sept. 19 match, the team participated in the Dundee Crown Charger Invitational on Saturday, and then headed to the Upstate Eight Championship meet on Monday, Sept. 23. Temes, Munter, and Ruszczak scored the highest from the team; Temes was one place off from the top 10 with a score of 81. Munter trailed just one point behind him at 82, and finished 14th.
As a team, West Chicago placed sixth out of 13.
Six golfers will now head to Sectionals.
With Senior Night and the subsequent championship game marking the end of an era for these Wildcats, the team looks forward to building on the foundation laid by its veterans in the year to come.