The high school boys and girls golf seasons began last week across Illinois. Here are five storylines we’ll be watching in The Times coverage area.
Can the Ottawa boys advance to state for a fourth straight year?
It was another solid season for the Pirates last fall as they advanced to the Class 2A state finals for the third straight season, finishing eighth after claiming the overall title in 2024.
This season’s squad will also be shooting for a fifth consecutive Interstate 8 Conference championship and eighth consecutive 2A regional championship.
Graduation has taken key contributors Colt Bryson, Jacob Armstrong and Jax Addis, but 2025 Times Boys Golfer of the Year senior Bryer Harris, senior Logan Cottingham, and juniors James Threadgill and Josh Armstrong all are back. Add newcomers in juniors Jaxson Neu and Nevan Holloway, as well as Bodie Martin, and Ottawa looks to have plenty of talent to extend those winning streaks.
Can Seneca’s Piper Stenzel advance to girls state for fourth consecutive season?
Fighting Irish senior Piper Stenzel has already put together a record-setting career and will look to add to it this fall. Stenzel has qualified for the state tournament her first three seasons at Seneca – a school record – and will be looking to not only make a fourth straight trip but also become the first in school history to earn a medal.
The Times Girls Golfer of the Year in both 2023 and 2025, Stenzel finished tied for 56th at last fall’s IHSA Class 1A State Finals with an 88-90—178 after a third-place showing at the 1A Pontiac Sectional.
Streator boys look to continue success, take next step
The Bulldogs have posted an 89-15 dual mark over the past nine seasons and claimed eight conference titles over that time. Last fall, the team placed third at the Class 2A Normal University to advance to sectionals. With several talented players returning, Streator looks to have a solid shot at claiming a first regional title since 2016.
This season, despite the graduation of Kolden Neumann, Brody Elias and Keegan Angelico, the Bulldogs return seniors Jack Studnicki and Brennen Stillwell, who are both two-Time Illinois Central Eight all-conference selections and sectional qualifiers. Add to the mix returning sophomore Rocco VanDuzer, along with newcomers senior Joe Grako, and freshmen Bryce Blakemore and Joe Studnicki, Streator has all the pieces to claim postseason hardware.
Marquette girls team continues to grow
Last fall the Crusaders had five girls hitting the course to form a team for the first time. This fall the program is nine strong, led by returning seniors Lillian Pullnow (sectional qualifier) and Madisyn Trainor, as well as juniors Parker Poundstone and Mykayla Huenfeldt.
Coach Ryan Nelle said he’s excited to see improvement from the girls back, but also how the newcomers, juniors Senya Mitre and Lily Deibel, and freshmen Stella Moline, Laney Ruddick and Kylah Gallegos progress as the season moves along.
“We have a lot of new girls this year and will struggle at the start, but I’m confident they can finish the season strong with a bunch of experienced girls ready for next year,” Nelle said.
Looking to keep a good thing going
Many players who advanced to the postseason and/or conference tournament champions earned a place on the Times All-Area Honor Roll last year are back and will work toward achieving that status again this fall.
The list includes Ottawa’s Harris, Threadgill, Armstrong and Cottingham; Streator’s Jack Studnicki and Stillwell; Marquette senior Braxton Nelle and Pollnow; Seneca’s Stenzel, senior Vivienne Cronkrite, senior Cody Malak and senior Cooper Thorson; Fieldcrest senior Carter Senko; Serena senior Hendrix Johnson; Newark junior Jimmy Kath; and Earlville senior Aaden Browder.
