October 10, 2011
Golf team heading to nationals

Not only do the 2011 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference champs have an NJCAA Region IV medalist on the squad, but just qualified as a team for the national tournament in May. This is just the second time the entire team has earned a berth to the nationals.

The Cyclones took second place in the NJCAA Region IV Tournament at PrairieView Golf Club in Byron, Oct. 6-8, just two shots behind first place Black Hawk College. The finish qualified the team for nationals in Plymouth, Indiana. Ricky Palonis (Lincoln-Way Central) has had a stellar year on the links, made more impressive by his medaling in the tournament, the first time in four years that a Black Hawk College golfer has not finished at the top. He beat the field by eight shots and is easily the best golfer Moraine Valley has had in the program's 28-year existence, said coach Bob Freudenthal. He was named All-Region player of the year with his scores of 71, 77 and 73. Palonis medaled five times this season.

Ryan Frederick (Lockport) finished eighth in the region with 78, 81 and 78. He along with Palonis were named co-MVPs by Freudenthal for their equally skilled season with the Cyclones.

Rounding out the team score were Brendan Ryan (Shepard) with 81, 79, 85; Jeremy Fraser (Lincoln-Way North) who shot 82, 87 and 79; and John Beissman (Lockport) who had 83, 82, 85.

This region tournament ends the regular season for the Cyclones, who had three first place finishes in various tournaments this year. Frederick also earned first All-Conference honors while Palonis was second.

"This was a great, successful season, and I'm more than happy with the way these guys played," Freudenthal said. "I'm looking forward to nationals. It'll be a great experience and the competition will be stiff, but we'll be up to the task."

October 3, 2011
Cyclones turn in good scores

Despite their surprising fourth place finish Sept. 30 at the Prairie View Classic at the PrairieView Golf Club in Byron, the men's golf team played a respectable game and feel good heading into the NJCAA Region IV tournament.

The Cyclones were just one shot shy of third place in the 16-team field and at some point this year have defeated all three colleges that finished ahead of them. Ryan Frederick (Lockport) led Moraine Valley with a 74- finishing third among all golfers- followed by Brendan Ryan (Shepard) with 77, Ricky Palonis (Lincoln-Way Central) who hit 78, Jeremy Fraser (Lincoln-Way North) with 83, and John Beissman (Lockport) with 83.

"Golf is a fickle game, but we played respectable and I feel good about our chances at the regional tournament," said coach Bob Freudenthal. "Our conference has dominated most of these invitationals this season, and we've beaten these teams before and are capable of beating them again. One of our top players is injured, but we're still playing well and I feel pretty good."

The Region IV tournament is Oct. 6-8.

September 26, 2011
Cyclones have good showing at Sauk Valley

Competition remains fierce for the Cyclones who couldn't reclaim their top finish at the Sauk Valley Skyhawk Invitational in Sterling on Sept. 23 where they were the reigning champs in 2010. The team did place third out of 13 teams, just two shots out of second on a windy and cold day.

Ricky Palonis (Lincoln-Way Central) finished on even par, 72, for the Cyclones followed by Ryan Frederick (Lockport) who shot 76, Brendan Ryan (Shepard) with 77, and Jeremy Fraser (Lincoln-Way North) with 79.

"We played well and had a good showing, but this just shows you that our conference in strong. College of Lake County won, and they haven't beaten us all year. But it is a good warm up for the NJCAA Region IV tournament. Now we have to put up or shut up as they say," said coach Bob Freudenthal. "We did beat our arch rivals Black Hawk College and Carl Sandburg College. I'm still optimistic, but the competition is there."

September 22, 2011
Cyclones crowned conference champs

They finished second in this last Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference tournament, but the Cyclones are on top of the conference once again as the champions. The team sealed their fate Sept. 21 at the Highlands Golf Course in Elgin. Because of their overall standing, the Cyclones clinched the championship for the third time in four years.

"It was a good day on a hard course and on a windy day," said coach Bob Freudenthal, who also was named conference coach of the year. "It's been a great season, but it's not over yet."

Ryan Frederick (Lockport) was the low scorer with a 73 and medalist for the day. His consistency and 73 average in the conference this season earned him first All-Conference honors and named All-Conference player of the year. Frederick's average was only a half stroke better than second All-Conference golfer Ricky Palonis (Lincoln-Way Central) who shot a 77 in the tourney. "I can't recall the last time I had the top two players in the conference, but we do this year, and it's a good feeling," Freudenthal said.

The remaining Cyclones finished with solid scores at Elgin. John Beissman (Lockport) shot a 76, his best of the year; Brendan Ryan (Shepard) finished with a 79; and Jeremy Fraser (Lincoln-Way North) ended the day with 82.

Once again Moraine Valley did not have its full contingent of top players with one out due to an injury but still won the conference. They still have work to do at the Sauk Valley Skyhawk Invitational on Friday where they enter as defending champs.

"We're happy that we won the conference, but we're back at work for Sauk Valley, and then we need to get ready for the NJCAA Region IV tournament. We have a lot of work to do," Freudenthal said. "I have to reiterate that this is the strongest the conference has ever been and the strongest the region has been. There are a lot of teams that could win the regional tournament. At least we're one of those teams in contention. It'll be fun and a challenge at regionals next month. We hope to put it all together."

September 20, 2011
Cyclones on top of their game

Even without all their top players in tow, the Cyclones were able to take first place Sept. 19 in one of their last Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference matches this season.

In a day that started cool and damp on the Shepherd's Crook Golf Club in Zion, Moraine Valley turned in another great performance to maintain their first place standing in the conference. Ryan Frederick (Lockport) was the top Cyclone and medaled with a 72 on the par 71 course. Jeremy Fraser (Lincoln-Way North) followed with an excellent score of 74, Ricky Palonis (Lincoln-Way Central) hit 77, Brendan Ryan (Shepard) had 81, and John Beissman (Lockport) hit an 85 for the day.

"It was a great performance by the guys on one of the hardest courses we play on all year. They're good players and good guys," said coach Bob Freudenthal. "I think teams in the conference and region are the strongest they've ever been, and competition is tough."

The Cyclones have one last conference match on Wednesday at Elgin, and a high finish will solidify a conference championship.

September 15, 2011
Cyclones upset in Blackberry Oaks

The game of golf always has an element of the unexpected, and the Cyclones experienced that on Sept. 14 in their latest Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference match at Blackberry Oaks Golf Course where they finished second.

A force to be reckoned with so far this season, the Cyclones have the talent to take first in all their conference matches, but came up short this time. Unlikely winner Prairie State College upset the field, but that's the nature of the game, said coach Bob Freudenthal. Top Cyclone, Ricky Palonis (Lincoln-Way Central), was out of sorts with the course and finished with an 80. Kenny Feldmeier (Providence) played well, shooting the low score for Moraine Valley with a 74. He was followed by Ryan Frederick (Lockport) who had 75 and a consistent Brendan Ryan (Shepard) with 79.

"We're still in first place in the conference. I know the guys were a little disappointed with this match, but they still feel pretty good," Freudenthal said. "Next week will be a busy one with two conference matches and the Sauk Valley Skyhawk Invitational, where we're the defending champs. I think the guys are ready for it."

September 14, 2011
'Clones compete at big tourney

The competition was stiff Sept. 13, but the Cyclones held their own at the St. Francis Fall Classic. Moraine Valley utilized some reserve players and finished 16th out of 19 teams, many of which were four-year institutions. Ricky Palonis (Lincoln-Way Central) hit a 73, just one over par, tying for sixth among 104 golfers. Casey Kaplan (Chaparral) made his debut with an 83 followed by sophomore Jeff Siefert (Marist) with 87, Steve Frencl (Reavis) at 87, and Quinn Sweeney (St. Rita) with 89.

"This was tough competition against almost all four-year schools, some really good teams. It was a respectable finish and I'm not disappointed," said coach Bob Freudenthal.

September 13, 2011
Narrow second place finish for Cyclones

For the first time this season the Cyclones did not finish in first place in an Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference match, narrowly coming in second by one shot to Waubonsee Community College on Sept. 12.

With their number two player missing the Cyclones couldn't hang on for another win, but are still on top in the conference standings. Top player Ricky Palonis (Lincoln-Way Central) also ended his medalist run, hitting a 71, followed by Kenny Feldmeier (Providence) with 74. Brendan Ryan (Shepard) was back in the lineup and ended with 79. John Beissman (Lockport) had 82 and Jeremy Fraser (Lincoln-Way North) hit an 84.

"We lost first place by one shot, but that's golf sometimes. Waubonsee is hot on our trail, but we continue to play fine golf and should have all our top golfers in the lineup today," said coach Bob Freudenthal.

September 12, 2011
Palonis medals for fourth consecutive tourney, helps team earn sixth

As the Cyclones maintain their high-level playing, their number one player, Ricky Palonis (Lincoln-Way Central), continues his streak of medaling with the lowest score in each tournament he enters. Palonis medaled once again Sept. 9 at the Duane Chanay Invitational and helped his team to a sixth place finish out of 19 teams.

It was tough competition but Palonis shot a 69 with one eagle and four birdies, averaging one under par for the season. This was the best individual scoring in the history of Moraine Valley golf, said coach Bob Freudenthal. John Beissman (Lockport) hit a 76 followed by Jeremy Fraser (Lincoln-Way North) with 77 and Kenny Feldmeier (Providence) hitting a 78.

September 8, 2011
Cyclones on fire

The Cyclones continue to top their tournaments this fall with their latest coming Sept. 7 at a windy Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference match at Mission Hills Country Club in Northbrook.

Ricky Palonis (Lincoln-Way Central) is on fire, medaling in his third straight tournament by hitting 71, one under par. "He's the hottest golfer I've had on any team, he's just smoking everyone right now," said coach Bob Freudenthal.

Ryan Frederick (Lockport) shot even par at 72 followed by Jeremy Fraser (Lincoln-Way North) hitting 79 and Kenny Feldmeier (Providence) with 80. Even with a top golfer absent from the team at this tournament, the Cyclones scored a total 302 with College of Lake County coming up with 309.

"The wind was constantly changing and there were gusts of up to 30 mph, so it was not easy," Freudenthal said. "We're looking good, but still have a ways to go. Lake County is still a team to be reckoned with because they're consistent. We have a few more conference matches to go, but I'm optimistic."

September 1, 2011
Cyclones grab first in conference play

It was another good day of golf for the Cyclones who took their home match on Aug. 31 and had another medalist.

In his second consecutive match, Ricky Palonis (Lincoln-Way Central) medaled for shooting the best score, this time a 72, even par. "He's just playing lights out right now. I can't recall having a golfer quite like him at Moraine Valley," said coach Bob Freudenthal.

Ryan Frederick (Lockport) came right behind with a 75 followed by Brendan Ryan (Shepard), who shot a 79, and Kenny Feldmeier (Providence), who hit 81. The Cyclones won their first Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference match by seven shots over Waubonsee Community College and 14 shots over College of Lake County, both tough competitors.

"We played really well, but we're not done with Waubonsee or Lake County. They have potential. I think we finally have an intimidation factor against them though," Freudenthal said. "The next match will be a challenge though because it's on Waubonsee's home course. We're going to have to go out with clubs blazin'. But so far I'm very happy with how we're playing."

August 29, 2011
Cyclones take second in opening tourney, Palonis medals

If their first tournament is any indicator, than the Cyclones are going to have a fine year on the links.

Moraine Valley opened up their season Aug. 26 at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport at the Highland 36 Tournament, the oldest community college tournament in the country. In a tough field of 18 competitors from the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and NJCAA Region IV, the Cyclones finished second, just one point ahead of nemesis Black Hawk College. This was the best finish in this tournament for Moraine Valley, said coach Bob Freudenthal.

The top scoring Cyclone, Ricky Palonis (Lincoln-Way Central), also medaled by being the lowest scorer of the tournament with a 73 and 71 even par. He also had seven birdies. Following him were Brendan Ryan (Shepard) with 76 and 74, Ryan Frederick (Lockport) shooting 78 and 76, Jeremy Fraser (Lincoln-Way North) with 76 and 82, and Kenny Feldmeier (Providence) hitting 81 and 79.

"It was one of the best days we've had, weather-wise, for this tournament, and it was a great day for the Cyclones right out of the box. We played against all the teams from our conference and region so we're looking good so far. Our top three guys are really solid," Freudenthal said. "We're off to a good start, but we have a long way to go. We need to focus on one tournament at a time."

August 25, 2011
Strong recruits coupled with sophomores equal bright outlook in 2011

With their top golfer graduated, the Cyclones aren't worried, not when the top six players can shoot in the 70s regularly. The outlook is good for the 2011 golf team, not only due in part to last season's number two player back in the lineup, but also with some potent recruits.

A 2010 All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference selection, Brendan Ryan (Shepard) is expected to be the top golfer this season. He helped his team take the Sauk Valley Skyhawk Invitational last year and is aiming to shoot even better to get his team back on top of the conference. Jeff Siefert (Marist) also returns with experience and potential to have a breakout season. "You never know what he can do if he puts his mind to it," said head coach Bob Freudenthal. After taking a year off, John Beissman (Lockport), who was an All-Conference player in 2009, returns to the team. His experience playing for the Cyclones and helping the team earn the conference championship will be an asset this year.

Pushing for that coveted number one player position is freshman and solid golfer Ryan Frederick (Lockport). He is a transfer student who played in numerous Chicago District Golf Association tournaments throughout the summer and won a contest in Galesburg, Freudenthal said.

Other newcomers include Ricky Palonis, who was the number one player at his alma mater, Lincoln-Way Central High School, and is a solid shooter out of the box; Casey Kaplan (Chaparral), who also was a top player at his Arizona high school that won the state championship; Jeremy Fraser (Lincoln-Way North), another top golfer that should bring solid scores to the Cyclones; Kenneth Feldmeier (Providence), a transfer student; Quinn Sweeney (St. Rita); and Steve Frencl (Reavis).

"If our top five, six guys play to their potential then we have an excellent chance to win the conference again and qualify for nationals. On paper it looks good. We have a really strong team," Freudenthal said. "This may be one of the strongest team's we've had and is comparable to our past successful teams. I'm looking forward to the season and ready to get going."