Senior Will Neumann was just two strokes away from advancing to the second round of competition at the state golf finals, held at The Den at Fox Creek in Bloomington on Friday, Oct. 6.

“Will battled really hard in difficult elements and unfortunately just came up a little short,” said Coach Bill Young. “But overall he had an outstanding season.”

Neumann qualified for state after playing a great round at sectionals on Oct. 2, held at Prairie Bluff in Crest Hill. Neumann shot a career-best 70, in a round that featured five birdies.

Only four other golfers at Oak Park and River Forest High School have qualified for the Illinois High School Association State Final Tournament in the last five years.

OPRF is part of the IHSA’s West Suburban Conference, which includes 14 schools. Senior Jake Goldberg and sophomore Luke Roberts earned the title of All-Conference after a meet held at the Prairie Bluff Golf Club in Crest Hill on Sept. 19.

“The team this year was special due to its strength and competitiveness,” Neumann said. “The cut for tryouts was much lower than in previous years, and playing in the starting lineup was more difficult than normal because of the low scoring averages across the team.”

This year’s team dynamic was influenced by its competitive tryouts and starting lineups. The team started strong very early in the season, winning tournaments early on and even breaking 300 with combined team scores on two occasions: at the Jones Invitational on Aug. 11 and in a four-team tournament on Aug. 12.

Seniors Jake Goldberg and Peter Armstrong earned multiple medals throughout the season. “Our two leaders were really Jake and Peter,” said Young. “Both of them lead by example…they are the leaders of the program. They set the standard.”

Young expressed confidence in the team’s prospects going forward. “We definitely exceeded our expectations this year on both levels, varsity and JV,” he said. “I’m excited for the culture of success that we’re developing for next year’s team and beyond.”