West Hancock sends one golfer to state

Mac Schlicher ended his second year as a varsity golfer in 25th place at the IHSA Class A State Tournament.

Schlicher shot a 79-77-156 for his 25th place finish in the sophomore's first state tournament appearance.

“I had a goal for him to average 78 each day,” said West Hancock coach Dan Buelt. “I had a personal goal for him to finish in the top 40. He exceeded expectations. He had an up and down year, but we knew he had it in him.”

It is the second straight year West Hancock placed a golfer at state. Zach Rodeffer was 13th in 2007.

“Zach was mentally tough,” said Buelt. “Mac is beginning to learn that. He doesn't let bad holes ruin his whole round. He came around the last few weeks of the season and started being more consistent.”

Teammate Jordan Dewald missed joining him by two strokes at the Camp Point Sectional. Dewald's 82 was short of the 80 cutoff.

“I felt bad for Jordan. He's a good kid who had worked extremely hard the past couple of years. He was probably our most consistent golfer this year.”

Dewald and Schlicher alternated at No. 1 for part of the season.

“We were a two-headed monster this year,” said Buelt of his 16-player team. “After that we had a lot of unknowns.”

Dewald finished third at the West Central Conference meet at Deer Run Golf Course in Hamilton. The two led West Hancock at the Macomb Regional.

Behind them were several golfers who saw varsity playing time.

“Ryan Runge had some moments this year. Joel Thompson and Jacob Thompson played well. We have some kids coming up next year that have to fill some spots.

“Mac and Jordan are examples of how things work in the athletic world. You can't just show up and be good. You have to play during the summer and work at it.”

Buelt and assistant coach Bill Knowles inherited the girls golf team about one week before the start of the season. The Titans made the transition seamlessly, advancing to the Aledo Sectional as a team.

The team shot a 498 at the Camp Point Regional, then shot a 445 at sectionals.

“They cut 53 strokes off their regional score and didn't make it out,” said Buelt. “That's the way golf works sometimes. I was pleased with their score.

“I'm happy for the girls. They put in a lot of work and effort. It's always fun to see kids succeed and do well.”

The team's only senior, Emma VanArsdale, missed going to the state tournament by one shot. She shot a 98 and Andrea Mast shot a 101.

“I gave her a hug after she found out because she was in tears,” said Buelt. “She put in a lot of time and effort at it. She practically lived at Deer Run.”

The Titans finished third at the West Central Conference and had a record of 8-11 in smaller meets this season.

The rest of the team returns. Mast is the likely No. 1 golfer next season. Also returning are Lauren Dorothy, Danie Buckert, McKenzie LeRoy, and Emily Deters.