[thargeagsaf]

By Justin Walker
Marion Daily Republican
Sun Oct 19, 2008, 04:58 AM CDT
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Makanda, Ill. - The Marion High School girls golf team held off Homewood Flossmoor and Winnetka New Trier to claim the 2008 IHSA Class AA Girls Golf State Finals team championship at Stone Creek Golf Club on Saturday.
Much, much more on the Lady Wildcats' victory will be posted here later and in Tuesday's print edition of the Marion Daily Republican.
For now, click photo at left to enjoy a gallery of the events that followed the final round.
Action photos and round details will be posted later Sunday.



http://www.mariondaily.com/homepage/x398371823

Congratulations from a hacker, you gals are talented.

[Beragagnu]

Title caps big golf weekend
By Les Winkeler, The Southern
Saturday, October 18, 2008 11:44 PM CDT
MAKANDA - With the mid-October sun accentuating the fall colors on the hillsides surrounding Stone Creek Golf Club, Saturday was a spectacular day for golf in Southern Illinois.

It was a particularly nice day for Marion's Lady Wildcats. The Lady Wildcats earned their first Class AA state championship with a two-stroke win over Homewood-Flossmoor.

Cassie Rushing led Marion with a two-day total of 151. But, she had plenty of support as twin sister, Ashleigh, shot a 154; Lauren Bond finished at 167 and Campbell Hunt carded a 164. Marion entered Saturday's final round trailing by two strokes.

In addition to Marion keeping the state championship at home, the tournament afforded Southern Illinois the opportunity to put its best foot forward for the rest of the state. The Class A state tournament was held at Hickory Ridge.

"We really appreciate Carbondale taking the time to put this all together," said Deborah Ofcky, coach of third place New Trier. "There are hosts for every team. They've done a great job with that.

"The Southern Illinois University coach and her team are out here and the boys from Carbondale High School are carrying the placards. It's a nice touch I'm not sure they'd have in Bloomington (home of the boys' state tournaments)."

Coaches and players from throughout the state were impressed with the weather and the course.

"We love the weather; it's a lot better than up north," Ofcky said. "Right now, the course is in great shape. It's a tough course, walking and carrying a bag for three days. It wasn't designed for walking, I don't think.

"It's a little difficult to walk. It's very hilly and different than the courses we're used to playing, but the quality is great for a state tournament."

Randy Dawson of Flossmoor made the trip to Southern Illinois to watch his daughter, Lauren, a student at Homewood-Flossmoor. Although he had a quibble with the definition of south, Dawson enjoyed the weekend.

"South is Florida," he said. "This weekend has been outstanding weather. If you guys could guarantee this every year �¿�"

Like Ofcky, he had nothing but praise for Carbondale High School.

"The individuals running the tournament did an outstanding job," Dawson said. "I think the community came out with a lot of volunteers which is very positive. This is probably one of the better-run tournaments our daughter has played in.

"Someone should applaud the superintendent. He's done an outstanding job. The course was fair, the pin placements were fair. I think it was a very well-run event."

les.winkeler@thesouthern.com / 351-5088

http://www.southernillinoisan.com/ar...e/26327447.txt

The Rushing twins are exceptional golfers.

[Patabeamn]

Girls... golfing?

Ye gods.