Golf duo battles for state qualifying spots; miss by 1 shot

HUNTLEY – Securing a Class 3A sectional spot was a highlight for Red Raiders’ boys golfers, as well as a Fox Valley Conference tournament crown.

Red Raiders golfers Brendan Busky and Nathan Elm both carded rounds of 75 but fell just one stroke shy of qualifying for the Class 3A state tournament at the Dundee-Crown sectional Oct. 3.

Huntley coach Collin Kalamatas praised Busky, a senior and Elm, a junior, for their season-ending efforts.

“Busky and Elm played so well,” Kalamatas said. “If we were in any other sectional in the state, I think those two make it down. This was such a loaded field. I’m so proud the toughness those two showed all day and of our team in general. Our team was two shots off our best team total of the year and 10 shots off qualifying as a team. Really impressive showing by our guys.”

Kalamatas was correct regarding the other three Class 3A individual qualifying final scores, between rounds of 77 and 8, according to IHSA results.

HHS final scores at Randall Oaks Golf Course were: junior Noaa Hakala, 78; sophomore Taig Bhathal, 84; sophomore Austin Mullen, 87 and senior Jacob Gordus, 90.

“Hakaka had one of his best rounds of the day,” Kalamatas said.

Kalamatas praised the contributions of Red Raiders’ senior golfers.

“Our seniors are so important to us,” Kalamatas said. “These kids have been tremendous leaders for our program. Busky, Gordus, Cater Coss and Dean Tsevas. All of our younger players look up to them. They have such a huge impact on our kids during practice. We’ll truly miss them.”