Published: May 14, 2008 05:51 pm            

Orioles’ unbeaten streak continues at HCC

WEST LAFAYETTE — Like Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman storming through Georgia, the Avon golf team has blazed through its 2008 schedule, taking out all opposition that has stood in its way.

The top-ranked Orioles’ scorching and consistent play continued Monday as they remained undefeated while blowing away the rest of the Hoosier Crossroads Conference — a field that contained three other teams ranked in the top 13. Avon dominated in winning the conference title at Coyote Crossing, shooting a 291 to second-place Zionsville’s 309.

“We played pretty well and pretty consistent, and that’s what we’ve done all year,” Avon coach Brent Sailor said. “There hasn’t been one particular guy step up and be medalist the whole year. We’ve had different guys step up, and that’s been good and motivating to the kids.”

It was Patrick Rodgers’ turn to take top honors on Monday, as the freshman played from the No. 3 spot and delivered a two-under 70, his second 18-hole medalist win of the season.

“He is not your typical freshman — from a play standpoint and a mental standpoint,” Sailor said. “He’s kind of been a glue immediately with this team. I knew he would have an impact on this team, but I didn’t think he would have an impact as early as he has. He has really fit in nice and has uplifted the guys.”

Close on Rodgers’ heels was Andrew Wegeng, who also shot under par with a 71. Coming off a 67 in the Culver Invitational at Mystic Hills, which earned him medalist honors and player of the week in Indiana, Ronnie Harris fired a one-over 73. Along with the Orioles’ top three, Bryan Whitt was also an all-conference performer with a 77. David Janney didn’t figure into the scoring but shot an 82 that many other teams would’ve liked.

Behind Avon and Zionsville in the final standings were Lafayette Jeff (310), Harrison (311), Westfield (315), Noblesville (317), Hamilton Southeastern (325), Fishers (330), Brownsburg (342), and McCutcheon (353).

For Brownsburg, Joe Gerking led the way with an 80, followed by Jacob Western (81), Jon Medjeski (90), Justin Briggs (91), and Chris Breslin (92).

Avon has maintained its unblemished record despite playing one of the toughest schedules in the state. The Orioles have traveled near and far to face the best competition possible.

“I’ve tried to put a tough schedule together to see some schools other than our conference and county schools,” Sailor said. “It’s good for the kids because it gets them out playing courses that they’re not familiar with and it really works with our course management. It’s been a positive for us the last couple years, and when you have the success that we’re having, you have to think it can’t hurt them.”

While Avon has been impressive, Sailor feels the Orioles are capable of much more, and the team will seek continued improvement as state tournament time nears.

“We just don’t know what we’re capable of yet,” he said. “They’ve all proven that they can play real well, but we haven’t played real well together. (The scores) are pretty darn good, but compared to what we’re capable of, it’s really not. We’ll just figure out more ways to cut strokes.”

        

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