Rochelle takes second in home finale at Fairways

ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Township High School varsity golf team recognized each of its four seniors Tuesday evening, when the Hubs faced Kaneland and Plano at Fairways Golf Course.

Rochelle finished second in the three-team meet, scoring 175 while Kaneland won with 159 and Plano took third with 249. The Hubs celebrated four seniors including four-year varsity player Griffin Ohlinger, who led Rochelle with a 3-over-par 39 in the match. Freshman Ian Metzger followed with a 6-over-par 42 and senior David Wanner fired a 9-over-par 45 for the Hubs.

“Three of our seniors have been with the team for four years and it’s great to see players stick it out for all four years,” head coach Glen Mehrings said. “It was nice having a steady group of guys over the last few years and having David come out this season really helped stabilize our varsity lineup. He’s willing to work hard and he’s made significant strides since the start of the season. Our seniors get along with each other really well and they’re good, honest kids.”

Seniors Damen Harrington and Wade Smith, both four-year golfers, recorded respective scores of 49 and 52 during Tuesday’s meet. Junior Cale Workman carded a 63 to round out the six varsity starters for the Hubs (5-7, 2-3 Interstate 8), who will compete at the ACC Charger Invitational this weekend before facing Sycamore and Morris on the road next Tuesday at 4 p.m. 

“We’ve been around the 170s for most of the season, but I think we can shoot in the 160s,” Mehrings said. “Our top players want to make their senior seasons successful so they’ve put some pressure on themselves, but I think our team has settled in over the last few weeks. Ian has adjusted well as a freshman and I think all of our kids are trying. They’re making strides mentally and I’m hoping that we can peak at conference and regionals in a couple of weeks.”