Amazing season for boys golf ends in state title
After dominating first day of state tournament, Trevians won first title since 2003
The boys golf team poses with their trophy after their state championship win on Oct. 8
Despite a ten stroke lead after day one, Hinsdale Central came back to tie it by the later rounds, but the Trevians managed to regain the lead with clutch swings near the end. Johnny Creamean, who finished with the best individual round in the state at 146 strokes, especially showcased his ability to maintain his composure.
It’s just a really mental game,” said Johnny Creamean. “You have to have been in a spot before and focus on getting in the mindset and getting it done.”
Hopes were high for the team yet to experience a state title despite coming so close at the end of last year. And going into day two with the ten stroke lead on second place Hinsdale Central, making sure to keep the same intensity was key for New Trier. Senior Captain Tyler Greenspahn, following a strong season, impressed by finishing 18th in the tournament, third best on the team.
“We looked at it like it was two different tournaments,” said Greenspahn. “The first day we were up big, but in order to close it out on the second day we just had to start from scratch again.”
What made the victory even sweeter was how the spring season ended last year. Despite a record-setting performance, New Trier fell just short of GBN, coming in second after the first day left the two squads tied. Senior Johnny Creamean, an alternate in last year’s state competition, saw the feelings carry over into this title.
“There was almost this feeling of revenge,” says Johnny Creamean. “It was also a relief because we had a lot of seniors on the team this year, so it was great to get a championship before we left.”
The team did more than get second at last year’s championship. They shot a state record both days, ending with 578 strokes only for GBN to beat them with 575. This loss, followed by this year’s win, was huge especially for Pete Drevline, winning his first title as head coach of the team.
“It was a disappointment last year because we felt we were one of the best teams in the state,” says Drevline. “It really shows how those guys remembered what happened last year and used it as motivation to capture that state championship.”
Despite the obvious excitement the team showed following their victory on Saturday, the Trevs showcased intensity more than anything on the course. The ability to focus on each individual shot is what propelled New Trier to 603 stroke victory, two ahead of Hinsdale Central.
“We had a motivational talk from another coach on the bus ride there, and there was not a word said after,” said Drevline. “The message was to block out what’s happened before and tackle the next opportunity we had, which we did really well down the stretch.
The coaches were crucial in leading the team to this feat. Senior Captain Alex Creamean, who finished seventh overall with 148 strokes, noted how nice it was to finally get the win for Drevline, but also how assistant coach John Nasshan would help the team on the course.
“Nash would go to every par three and help us out with the yardages which was really helpful,” says Alex Creamean. “That definitely helped us both in state and at sectionals.”
Obviously, a state championship meant celebration afterwards. It was only a trip to Wally’s Gas Station, but the team still recognizes just how incredible the entire experience was.
“It’s something you could never take away,” says Drevline. “They’re going to wake up every day for the rest of their lives knowing their state champions.”