There was a greater emphasis on individual success than team success for the Rochelle varsity golf program this year. While roster numbers were low, head coach Glen Mehrings said there were still plenty of positive takeaways from this season.
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ROCHELLE — There was a greater emphasis on individual success than team success for the Rochelle varsity golf program this year. While roster numbers were low, head coach Glen Mehrings said there were still plenty of positive takeaways from this season.
The Hubs were unable to win any team matches this year, but the team’s individual success was highlighted by sophomore Megan Thiravong’s second consecutive trip to the IHSA Class 1A State Championship. Mehrings said he saw Thiravong’s mental approach improve from her freshman season.
“She was much more comfortable under pressure,” Mehrings said. “She had a really good learning experience playing with the guys last fall, and her summer tournament regiment keeps her mentally tight on the course so she knows what to focus on… She understands what coach [David] Cartwright and I say to her about setting goals and minimizing damage on certain areas of the course.”
Rochelle began its season with only three varsity players including sophomore Reese Kirk and junior Sean Flanagan, who were each first-time varsity golfers this fall. 2018 was Flanagan’s first year with the Rochelle program, while Kirk returned after playing junior varsity golf in 2017. Mehrings said he saw both players improve their skills this season.
“Sean’s an athletic kid and Reese played a lot last year as well as this summer,” Mehrings said. “They became more comfortable on the course and they started understanding how to advance the ball up the hole… They both had to adapt over the first few weeks, and they were able to do that because they both care about their game and their scores.”
Freshman Shepard Hayes became Rochelle’s No. 4 varsity player as the season progressed, while four underclassmen including sophomore Ben Ranken and freshmen Rowan Williams, Brett Ferguson and Levi Lawhorn played junior varsity golf this year. If the school’s low turnout continues, Mehrings will be looking for his young players to keep working in order to provide the varsity team with a lift in 2019.
“They all really enjoy golf even though it’s frustrating at times,” Mehrings said. “Some days you’ll have a good round and other days things don’t fall into place… The guys endured the growing pains of their freshman seasons and hopefully they have opportunities to play over the summer.”
