By John Baracani

The Apache golfers continued their impressive run this spring at their own invitational on Saturday, April 22 at Oak Ridge Golf Course in La Salle.

IVCC posted its third consecutive tournament victory with a team total of 303, three strokes ahead of the College of DuPage, despite not having one golfer earning top five honors.

Coach Jim Moskalewicz credits his team for being consistent and selfless.

"I’ve learned I can always count on four golfers coming in with solid scores," he said. "But I can’t always predict which four will be."

On this day it was Josh Wheeler and Erik Main with scores of 75, Brian Stamberger with 76, and Tom Bartman with 77.

"I am certainly happy that we continue to win events," said the coach. "What I am most pleased with, however, is the team spirit displayed by IVCC golfers. They truly cherish the team’s accomplishments more than individual honors."

At the Rockford College Invitational on Monday, April 17, IVCC earned another victory with a score of 305 to lead the way in the 16-team field.

St. Francis, the Apaches’ closest opponent, finished 12 strokes behind, with 317. Stamberger led all golfers with a 72, earning him tournament Medalist honors. Wheeler shot 76, good enough for Second Medalist honors, Main scored 78, and Brett Carlson 79.

I’m happy we’re tasting victory again," said Moskalewicz. "Success breeds success, and we are gaining momentum at the right time of the year, just prior to the National Championship.

Prior to the Rockford College Invitational, the Apaches started their winning streak when they came from 11 shots behind to win the 21-team Illinois Wesleyan Invitational at Ironwood Golf Course in Bloomington on Saturday, April 15.

IVCC shot 293 in round two to post a 36-hole total of 602. The total equaled that of Knox College’s Purple squad. The score of the fifth man was used as the tie-breaker, and IVCC took the win with a 76-79 edge.

"I knew we weren’t out of this tournament, but I also knew we needed to play well today," said Moskalewicz. "I told the kids we could win if we shot around 290 today. Sure enough, that was the number, and they went out and did it. What a great way to win a golf tournament."

Wheeler fired a tournament-low 70 in the final round, for a 36-hole total of 147, good enough for Second Medalist honors.

Wheeler continued to impress his coach.

"Josh Wheeler continues to prove himself as one of the best college players in the Midwest," Moskalewicz said. "I hope some of the four-year institutions are noticing his scores, because he is definitely an NCAA prospect."

Carlson shot 75 in day two for a 149 total and Sixth Medalist honors. Bartman closed the tournament with a72 (153), Stamberger 76 (153), and Main 76 (158).

"I believe we are capable of shooting low 290's every time we set foot on a golf course, and if that’s the case, we are going to win a fair share of events," said Moskalewicz. "I hope this round today springboards us to shooting low numbers the rest of this year and all the way to the National Championships in June."