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Men's Golf—Archive 

July 23, 2010
Golf team tryouts

Tryouts are being held for the Moraine Valley men's golf team on August 19 at 1 p.m. Interested golfers should meet at the Water’s Edge Golf Club located at 115th Street and Harlem Ave. at 1 p.m. For more information call golf coach Bob Freudenthal at (708) 974-5582.

2009 Season

*2009 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Champions

All-Region IV team: Kevin Daly (Oak Forest) and Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township)
All-Conference honors: Daly, Lovelace, Tim Komenda (Stagg), John Beissman (Lockport)
Skyway Conference Coach of the Year: Bob Freudenthal

*Denotes Conference

May 26, 2010
Lovelace swings to strong finish at nationals

Consistency and focus helped Cyclone golfer Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township) swing to a respectable 97th place finish in the NJCAA Division II Golf Championship held in Phoenix, Arizona May 18-21.

In a field of 130 talented golfers from across the country, Lovelace shot 80, 82, 80, and 78 under hot and windy conditions, improving with each stroke.

"Everything was great. The tournament was a lot of fun, and I felt I played all right. I didn't think about the pressure of playing at nationals. I just played my best," Lovelace said. "I definitely want to go back next year because I know what to expect."

Lovelace qualified for the event in October after placing seventh in the Region IV Tournament. His teammate, Kevin Daly (Oak Forest), placed third also qualifying, but was unable to compete in Arizona. This was Lovelace's first time playing in the championship.

"Not a bad finish considering there were 130 players. He was consistent and played really well," said head golf coach Bob Freudenthal. "He went from qualifying for the nationals in October in the snow to competing in 90 degree weather. You have to have a pretty strong constitution to do that. This is a good ending to the season."

With national tournament experience under his belt and a slate of amateur tournaments over the summer, Lovelace will be a good team leader for the Cyclones golf team in the fall.

"He'll be our number one player in fall. I look forward to next season with Matt leading the way. He's a good player and team leader. It's a rare combination. With a couple other guys coming back I'm looking forward to a three-peat as Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference champions," Freudenthal said.

May 12, 2010
Cyclone golfer heading to nationals

Golfer Matt Lovelace is gearing up to head to Phoenix, AZ for the NJCAA Division II Golf Championship, which he qualified for last October. Lovelace placed seventh in the Region IV Tournament Oct. 8-10 while fellow teammate Kevin Daly placed third qualifying them both for nationals. However, Daly is unable to compete.

Lovelace and Cyclones golf coach Bob Freudenthal fly out this weekend to the tournament which runs May 18-21. "Matt will do a great job down there. He's been in tournaments and practicing all spring so he's ready. He's in good shape," Freudenthal said. "He has a lot of potential and he'll hold his own in this very competitive tournament."

The Cyclones golf team was the 2009 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Champion, and Lovelace was named to the All-Region IV and All-Conference teams.

October 13, 2009
Two qualify for nationals in season finale

In rain, snow and cold temperatures, the Cyclones ended a stellar golf season at the Region IV Tournament at PrairieView Golf Club in Byron, Illinois Oct. 8-10, finishing fourth out of 10 teams with two players qualifying for the NJCAA championships.

"They did very well considering the conditions. It was dark, dreary and cold and by the third day it was 37 degrees with snow flurries. We got the most out of our team and qualified two for nationals. Our top two guys did their thing," said coach Bob Freudenthal.

Kevin Daly (Oak Forest) shot a 79, 78 and 76 to earn a third place individual finish while teammate Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township) swung a 77, 79 and 80 to place seventh. Both scores earned them a trip to the NJCAA Division II Golf Championship in Phoenix, AZ in May. Other Cyclone golfers who competed include Stagg grad Tim Komenda (78, 80, 86), Logan Pietsch (Sandburg) (83, 84, 92) and Lockport product John Beissman (91, 83, 86).

The Cyclones played well this season, clinching their second consecutive Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship on Sept. 30 in their final conference match.

"It was a very successful season, and I'm very pleased with how we played. We took conference again and two guys are going to nationals," Freudenthal said. "I'm looking forward to the national tournament in May. Kevin and Matt are two excellent players, and I know they'll do well. They're both very mature and could play at the next level. They'll work over the winter then we'll get together in May before heading to Phoenix. Then hopefully we'll have another great year and conference win in 2010."

The national competition is scheduled to be held May 18-21.

October 5, 2009
A good match before regions

In preparation for the Region IV Tournament Oct. 8-10, the Cyclones competed Oct. 2 in the Prairie View Classic, where they placed eighth out of 17 strong teams.

Moraine Valley was led by sophomore Jeff Staley (Andrew) who swung an 80 followed by Tim Komenda (Stagg) with an 81, Kevin Daly (Oak Forest) hitting an 81, Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township) firing 82, and John Beissman (Lockport) shooting an 82. The scores seem a bit higher, but were good considering weather conditions were rainy with 20 mph winds and 50 degree temperatures.

October 1, 2009
Golf team repeats as conference champs

Call them the champs because for the second consecutive year the men's golf team has aced their conference. Moraine Valley clinched the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship Sept. 30 by placing first in the final conference match of the season at Mission Hills Country Club in Northbrook.

"It was a good day and I think the guys were pretty happy about the win," said head coach Bob Freudenthal. "Overall it was a successful season. They've played well at the right times. We played well and now we're looking forward to the region tournament next week. There are good teams there, but we'll be very competitive."

Scoring a team average of 318 at the tournament, the top player of all eight colleges competing was Kevin Daly (Oak Forest) who shot a 75 followed by Stagg alum Tim Komenda with 79, Logan Pietsch (Sandburg) hitting 79, Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township) with 80, and Lockport product John Beissman firing an 81. Ten conference golfers earned All-Conference honors, four of whom were from Moraine Valley. Daly was number two with a 75-shot average, only half a shot behind first. Lovelace came in at number three with a 78 average, Komenda also had a 78 average and finished fifth, and Beissman rounded out the bunch in 10th with an 81-shot average. Freudenthal also was named 2009 Conference Coach of the Year.

"Daly got off to a slow start this season, but worked hard, became more comfortable and found his game. These are a great bunch of guys and I'm lucky to have a good group two years in a row," Freudenthal said. "This is the oldest team I've had. Tim Komenda came back here after playing for me three years ago, Kevin Daly is a transfer student and Matt Lovelace is 27. I think the maturity level helps."

The Cyclones compete Friday, Oct. 2 to prepare for the Region IV Tournament Oct. 8-10. The top two teams from that competition advance to the national championship, which the Cyclones achieved last year.

September 25, 2009
Golfers stay on top of conference

The Cyclones maintained their top status in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference by placing second in their latest outing at College of Lake County's home course on Sept. 23. The team was a mere eight points from first, but is still in good position to take their second consecutive conference championship when they finish their final conference match Sept. 30. Tim Komenda (Stagg) shot his best round of the season with a 76. Kevin Daly (Oak Forest) and Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township) shot a 78 and 79, respectively while Jeff Staley (Andrew) rounded out the scoring with an 85.

September 22, 2009
Cyclones remain atop conference thanks to tiebreaker

In another close match up the Cyclones finished first at Elgin Community College's home course Sept. 21. Moraine Valley tied with Elgin, but won based on the tiebreaker being the best score of the fifth golfer on each team. Tim Komenda (Stagg) shot an 81 to seal the win. The other Cyclones contributing to the victory were Kevin Daly (Oak Forest) leading with a 75, Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township) shooting 76, Jeff Staley (Andrew) with 78, and John Beissman (Lockport) with a 79.

"It was a pretty exciting match, but we won our third conference match out of four so far this season. We're holding our own in first place overall in the conference," said coach Bob Freudenthal.

September 17, 2009
Windy conditions yield third place finish

In their third conference match up, the Cyclones couldn't pull off another first place finish, instead taking third place Sept. 16 in Aurora. Scoring was made more difficult by 30 mph winds, but Kevin Daly (Oak Forest) shot 83 and led the way with one of his best tournaments this season. Other key golfers were Jeff Staley (Andrew) with 86, Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township) shooting an 86 and John Beissman (Lockport) firing an 88.

September 16, 2009
Hard fought battle for swinging Cyclones

Moraine Valley faced a strong field at the University of St. Francis Invitational on Sept. 15 where 17 of the 20 teams hailed from four-year colleges. The Cyclones finished a respectable 15th with Ryan Collins (Oak Forest) and Randy Wrobel (Oak Lawn) leading the team with 80 each. Logan Pietsch (Sandburg) finished with 81 and Jason Fonte (Stagg) shot an 82. "I gave our second string players a chance to compete because they don't always get enough time on the course. They played well, especially against these top opponents from the NAIA conference," said coach Bob Freudenthal.

September 15, 2009
Another top finish for Cyclones

The Cyclones held on to a first place finish for a second time this season in an Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference match on Sept. 14 in Park Forest. Moraine Valley's top scorers were Andrew product Jeff Staley (78) and John Beissman (Lockport) (78), followed by Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township) (79), Tim Komenda (Stagg) (80) and Kevin Daly (Oak Forest) (81).

September 14, 2009
Cyclones finish in the middle

Moraine Valley men's golf team continued swinging solidly against some tough competition on Sept. 11 where the team finished 11th in a field of 22 at the Duane Chanay Invitational. This tournament had one of the strongest fields that the Cyclones will face this season with many teams ranked in the top 20 in the nation. Jeff Staley (Andrew) shot a 73, going four under on the front nine holes and placing seventh of all individual golfers. John Beissman (Lockport) came out of a slump by shooting 77, and with his first start of the season Bob Isacson (Andrew) fired an 80. Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township) rounded out the group with an 81.

September 8, 2009
Letdown at Sauk Valley Invitational

A little momentum was lost at the Sauk Valley Skyhawk Invitational Sept. 4 where the Cyclones finished 14^th in a field of 18.

"A few guys just lost focus. They didn't putt well, which was a big factor. One of our veteran players, Logan Pietsch (Sandburg), was out with a back injury," said coach Bob Freudenthal. "The course was good and it was theirs for the taking. I'd rather have a letdown at an invitational like this than at a conference match. This was a big letdown, and we're a much better team than we showed. We'll shape up, and I know we'll bounce back with our hectic schedule coming up."

Tim Komenda (Stagg) led the team with a 78, Jeff Staley (Andrew) shot an 80, Kevin Daly (Oak Forest) finished with 82, and Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township) shot 87.

September 1, 2009
Killer opening for Cyclones

The Cyclones did not fail to impress in their first two matches of the year.

The team finished fifth in a field of 20 on Aug. 28 at the Highland Tournament. The top two golfers, Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township) and Jeff Staley (Andrew), led the team through a wet 36 holes of golf. Lovelace finished with 83 and 76 while Staley shot a 79 and 84. "It was a real team effort with everyone pitching in for a respectable showing. Thirty-six holes is always a long day, but we played well," said head coach Bob Freudenthal.

The Cyclones home opener on Aug. 31 proved even more successful by finishing first in the field. Tim Komenda (Stagg) shot 80, followed by Lovelace with 81, John Beissman (Lockport) had an 82, and Staley shot 86. "This was a great team effort on a windy and tough course. The next closest team was 12 shots behind us," Freudenthal said. "We got off to a good start this year and I'm feeling pretty good. We have eager players who want to contribute. Hopefully we'll continue our winning ways."

August 27, 2009
Golf team expecting repeat championship in 2009

It's been a few months since the 2008 Cyclones golf team played in the national tournament for the first time in the college's history. Now two golfers from that Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship team will lead a new group of talented prospects to an anticipated repeat of last season.

"Going to the nationals was a great experience. It was a hard match up at that level. We have two guys returning to the team with that national experience plus a good group of golfers. We'll be competitive this year, and I'm looking forward to the season," said head coach Bob Freudenthal.

Veterans Jeff Staley (Andrew) and Logan Pietsch (Sandburg) will be the top dogs this season along with former Cyclone Tim Komenda (Stagg) who played for Freudenthal three years ago. The freshmen continue to impress in practice, particularly John Beissman (Lockport) and Kevin Daly (Oak Forest) who has a solid swing. Matt Lovelace (Lyons Township), the oldest player on the team at 27, is a good player who has golfed competitively for years, but never through any school. Talented freshmen Ryan Collins (Oak Forest), Jason Fonte (Stagg), Bobby Isacson (Andrew), and Randy Wrobel (Oak Lawn) are expected to contribute this season. Freshmen alternates Dan Kubil (Reavis) and Jeff Siefert (Marist) also will develop into quality golfers.

"With the two veterans, some more mature players and these freshmen we have a great opportunity to repeat as conference champs and go to nationals," Freudenthal said. "This is another great group of guys."

The Cyclones open their season Friday, August 28, at Highland Community College. Their home opener, at the Water's Edge Golf Club in Worth, is Monday, August 31, at 12:30 p.m.

July 17, 2009
Golf team tryouts

Interested in playing golf at Moraine Valley? Head to the Water’s Edge Golf Club located at 115th Street and Harlem Ave. at 1 p.m. on August 24, for men’s golf team tryouts. For more information call golf coach Bob Freudenthal at (708) 974-5582.

2008 Season

*2008 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Champions

All-Region IV team: Marc Carter (Reavis) and Forrest McDonald (Reavis)
All-Conference honors: Carter, McDonald and John Katsikas (Addison Trail)
Skyway Conference Coach of the Year: Bob Freudenthal

May 27, 2009
Golf team places 17th in first national championship appearance

In their first appearance at the NJCAA Division II Golf Championship, the Cyclones men’s golf team played hard and gave their all in the most competitive field they have ever encountered. The tournament was held May 19-22 in Scottsboro, Alabama.

“The competition there was unbelievable. It was a great experience for the guys and they gave it their best,” said head coach Bob Freudenthal. “Our number three player, John Katsikas, was injured with 100 stitches in his leg. He switched to his non-dominant swinging side to compete, so he wasn’t the same player. I give him a lot of credit. We still gave it a good run.”

Golfers had to deal with windy conditions, a tough course and rough bumpy greens thanks to messy spring weather. Moraine Valley finished in 17th place overall in a tough field of nationally ranked players. Individually their scores and placements varied. Marc Carter was the standout of the team tying for 76th place followed by Forrest McDonald in 107th place, Jeff Staley in 118th place, Logan Pietsch in 121st place, and Katsikas in 122nd place.

“This experience will take them a long way, especially Logan and Jeff who are both returning in the fall. This was the best bunch of guys I’ve ever had,” Freudenthal said. “We’re looking forward to next season with two players experienced now at the national level and some good recruits.”

Carter is expected to continue his education and golf game at Chicago State University, where he earned a golf scholarship.

May 13, 2009
Cyclones ready for their first national tournament

The Cyclones have been practicing, kept in good shape during the off season and are ready for the team’s first trip to the NJCAA Division II Golf Championship May 19-22 in Scottsboro, Alabama.

After claiming the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship October 1 the men’s golf team placed second in the Region IV Tournament on October 11 to earn a berth to the national championship. This is the first time in the team’s 25-year history at Moraine Valley that they earned a trip to the tournament.

Head coach Bob Freudenthal will accompany Forrest McDonald, Marc Carter, Jeff Staley, Logan Pietsch, and John Katsikas to the tournament. Katsikas, also on Moraine Valley’s baseball team, was recently injured before a game and may or may not play in the tournament depending on the status of his injury.

“We’re looking forward to this tournament. It’s going to be fun. It will be challenging though, but I think these guys can play respectably,” Freudenthal said. “This is a good bunch of kids who deserve to go. Forrest and Marc could do some damage down there. They can play, they have solid individual games and we’re looking to play well with their leadership.”

October 14, 2008
Moraine Valley golf team earns first trip to NJCAA championship

For the first time in its 25-year history, the Moraine Valley men’s golf team is heading to the NJCAA golf championship this May after placing second in the Region IV Tournament on October 11.

The Cyclones came in second place behind Black Hawk College at the 15-team tournament at PrairieView Golf Club in Byron, Illinois. The top two teams advanced to the championship scheduled May 19 at Goose Pond Colony Golf Course in Scottsboro, Alabama. Moraine has had individual golfers qualify for the tournament, but this is the first time the entire team has earned the trip.

“After 25 years, it’s about time. These guys played above their abilities, played hard and worked together. It was not just the five who played this weekend. I used everyone on the team throughout the season and they pushed each other,” said head coach Bob Freudenthal. “It was a big weekend for us and we did great. It was the hardest course we’ve played all year and we were fortunate to have the best weather we’ve ever had for Regions.”

Forrest McDonald (Reavis) played his best games of the season—scoring 74, 77, and 79—and tied for first in the tournament. Marc Carter (Reavis) came in third with scores of 78, 76 and 77. The team earned a trophy for their Region finish and will take time off before they resume play in May.

“It’s going to be tough. There are really good golfers down there. We’re at a disadvantage because we’re going to be shoveling snow, and teams in Texas will be playing golf all winter. But our guys will do well. I’m looking forward to nationals, and I know they are.”

The team ended their regular season October 3 after a ninth place finish at the Prairie View Classic in Byron, but clinched the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship October 1 with a second place finish at Elgin Community College. Carter, McDonald and John Katsikas (Addison Trail) earned conference honors.

“This was the best team I’ve ever had at Moraine. In all my years coaching golf I can’t recall any team that had it as together as this,” Freudenthal said. “They were grinders. They never gave up. They gave it their best on every shot.”

October 7, 2008
Golf team claims title

The Cyclones clinched the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship October 1 with a second place finish at Elgin Community College. The team ended the regular season with a ninth place finish at the Prairie View Classic in Byron, Illinois on October 3.

Conference honors went to Marc Carter (Reavis), who had a 75 average, Forrest McDonald (Reavis), with a 76 average, and John Katsikas (Addison Trail), who averaged 78. Head coach Bob Freudenthal also was named 2008 Conference Coach of the Year.

Although it was a cold and windy day at Elgin, the Cyclones played consistently with Carter and McDonald leading the way by each hitting 79.

“The guys worked hard, but now we have the Region IV Tournament coming up,” Freudenthal said. “We played October 3 on tough greens where the Regions will be held October 9-11, so the guys got a feel for the course. Now we have to step it up. There are a lot of good teams, and it will be tough, but the top two teams qualify for the nationals, and we have a chance. They’ll give it their best.”

August 29, 2008
Golf team has high expectations for
2008 season
 
After finishing in eighth place in last season’s NJCAA Region IV tournament, Moraine Valley’s golf team is shaping up to be championship caliber for the 2008 season.

The team will see four returning players—including the team’s number one golfer Marc Carter (Reavis) and number two player Forrest McDonald (Reavis)—and six newcomers hit the course this season. Second year players Matt Cota (Eisenhower) has potential for success and Dave Keate (Reavis) will surprise a lot of people this year. John Katsikas (Addison Trail), who played baseball at Moraine Valley in the spring, and first year students Logan Pietsch (Sandburg) and Jeff Staley (Andrew) are rising star golfers.

Head coach Bob Freudenthal said every year the goals for the team are to win conference and win in Region IV. The team this year has what it takes to accomplish both goals.

“I think this is one of the better teams we’ve had in the last four years. We have a realistic chance of winning conference and qualifying for nationals,” Freudenthal said. “Everyone on the team will have to pull together. They’re a good bunch of guys with good team chemistry, and they’re all eager to play. I feel pretty good about the season; they’re capable of great success.”

2007 Season

2007 All-Conference: Chris Blankenship (Mt. Carmel)