Kopacz advances in IHSA Class 1A tournament
By Fred Kroner
Case Kopacz was the lone Oakwood golfer to qualify for the Class 1A boys’ golf sectional based on results from the Wednesday (Sept. 29) regional tournament at Turtle Run, in Danville.
Kopacz fired an 88 and placed 11th overall at the regional. In 11 of 15 meets this season, Kopacz has led the team or shared the team lead in scoring.
The Comets’ other participants at the regional were Kyle McFarland (104), Mason Goodner (110) and Nate Stewart (124).
Oakwood’s composite score was 420, which enabled the team to finish eighth in a meet with 13 teams. The Comets were seeded 11th. Regional champion Monticello produced a 330 team composite.
In its final pre-regional tuneup on Monday (Sept. 27), Oakwood (8-12) defeated Hoopeston Area, but finished behind Milford in a three-school meet at Shewami.
Milford’s composite score was 180. Oakwood ended with a 217 and Hoopeston Area totaled 233.
Kopacz had the top round for the Comets, firing a 48. Stewart finished with a 55. Goodner and McFarland each ended with 57s.
Kopacz will compete in the sectional on Monday (Oct. 4) at Balmoral Woods, in Crete.
The top three teams advanced to the sectional as did the top10 players not on qualifying teams.