Oakton College Qualifies For First National Championship In Men's Golf

DES PLAINES, IL — Swinging into Oakton College history, the men's golf team has qualified for the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II championships for the first time.

Following fierce competition at last month's Region 4 tournament, the Oakton emerged in third place, six strokes ahead of Illinois Valley Community College and three strokes behind Madison for second place.

Head coach Louis Walker said qualifying for nationals was a moment of pride for the squad.

“The team has put in tremendous effort throughout the season, and it's gratifying to see their hard work pay off," Walker said in a statement.

"We’re excited about competing at the national level," he said, "and I believe this experience will be memorable, especially for our freshmen, as it will set a strong foundation for future success.”

The Owls also had three All Region 4 honorees, with Cole Shane placed 6th, Daniel Allegretti 10th and Ryan Belz 11th. All three are graduates of Maine South High School in Park Ridge.

“We started the year as strangers,” Allegretti said. “As the season went on, we grew closer and created a bond, helping each other improve our skills. It's rewarding to have begun as underdogs and to now demonstrate our abilities on a national stage."

The Owls are now set to tee up to try for the national title from May 21 to May 24 at Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin, Missouri.

“The upcoming four-round format presents a new challenge, different from our usual one or three-round tournaments," Belz said. "This higher-level competition offers a valuable learning experience and we are eager to experience it."