Golf team finishes third in conference
By Tony Nelson
The Apache golf team finished third in the conference behind Co-Champions Rock Valley and College of DuPage. The Apaches were tied going into the final match with College of DuPage
"It could have been us," said head coach Jim Moskalewicz. " We tied a couple of times we could have won, and had some tough breaks."
Looking at individual accomplishments in the Apaches’ first season: Erik Main made the North Central Community College Conference team, and finished with sixth-lowest individual average in the conference. Brett Carlson had the seventh lowest average, and Casey Hamel and Pat Becker had the eleventh and twelfth lowest averages.
In non-conference play, the Apaches placed 5th out of 14 teams at the Illinois Central College tournament and were the only school that was a non-scholarship team.
Mendota graduates Brian Stamberger and Casey Hamel led the way for the Apaches in the two day tournament. Stamberger shot a combined 155 over the two days, and Hamel shot a combined 157 in the tournaments.
According to the head coach, his team has turned some heads in its first year. "Many coaches have told me that they can’t believe this is our team’s first year," explained Moskalewicz.
The Apaches will be competing in the Region IV tournament on Oct. 9 at South Beloit.
"The guys are looking forward to the regional," Moskalewicz said. "We are fully capable of winning it and going to nationals. It is just a matter of playing to our potential. If we shoot a 310 or better both days we should win it."
The team has reached and surpassed 310 twice this season, as they previously shot a 306 and a 308 this season.
Coach Moskalewicz looks forward to next year. "I am looking forward to next year, and hopefully then we can have a spring season along with a fall season. This way we can build a golf program instead of just having a golf team."
All ten members of the Apache golf team this year are freshman.
Oct. 8, 1998 the Apache