Marmion keeps SCC title

In a sport where patience often pays off, Marmion's Tim Johnson used controlled aggression to his advantage Wednesday at Mill Creek Golf Club.

Johnson, a sophomore, earned medalist honors with a 2-over-par 73 while helping the Cadets earn their second consecutive Suburban Catholic Conference golf tournament championship.

Consistency was the key, as Johnson carded just one birdie but also pocketed 14 pars while keeping his mistakes at a minimum with just 3 bogeys.

"I putted really well," said Johnson, who fired a 72 earlier in the year at the Fenton Invitational. "The pins were in tough spots so I needed to putt well to keep scores low. I just hit greens and 2-putted."

Johnson's conservative approach came in handy on a picture-perfect day that saw nearly 30 percent of the field (16 golfers) post scores in the 70s.

"I've learned not to attack pins here because the greens are real hilly," said Johnson, who received plenty of support from teammates Bryce Emory (74), Robby Whitehead (75) and Luke Kolquist (78), while non-scoring David Brouch (79) also broke 80. "I just went for the fat part of the green and made my 2-putts."

Marmion's 4-man total of 300 was 9 shots better than second-place St. Francis (309), while St. Edward (320) finished third.

"It's awesome to win our conference," said Cadets coach Jen Konen. "The boys had an undefeated season this year in all dual matches -- not only our conference matches but in our 2 nonconference duals as well.

"It was nice for them to play this golf course and come in with five scores in the 70s."

St. Francis also had 5 sub-80 rounds, led by fifth-place Larry Murison's 76.

"Their five are pretty good," Spartans coach Brian King said of the Cadets. "They shot what they should -- they're leading the conference and they're undefeated."

Mike Segneri (77), Ryan Archibald (78), Brian Cullen (78) and Keegan O'Rahilly (78) led the Spartans' charge.

"This is our best showing in a long time as a team, especially in conference," said King. "For us to have those scores -- I'd say it's our best effort team-wise the whole year."

Murison, who was the Spartans' No. 1 player last season, carded a pair of birdies and 10 pars during his best 18-hole round of the year.

"We wanted to give Marmion a battle and I thought we gave them a pretty run," said Murison.

Seniors Brad Winters (74) and Brett Manning (78) paced St. Edward.

"We were hoping to get into the top three," said Winters, whose somewhat adventurous round included 3 birdies, 3 bogeys and a double-bogey.

"Our fourth scorer, John Sheehan, really stepped up and shot an 88. He normally shoots in the 90s so that really helped out the team."

Sophomore Tommy Hart carded a 76 for seventh-place Immaculate Conception, while Zach Brash and Anthony Blashewski each had 79s for fourth-place Montini. Mike Neri (80) and GiGi DiGrazia (81) paced sixth-place Driscoll.

Rob Taptich (82) was the low scorer for eighth-place Aurora Central Catholic.

Marmion will return to Mill Creek for Class AAA regional action Tuesday.

"This also ends up being another practice round for the team so they can get out and see the golf course again," said Konen.

"It's going to be interesting next week -- that's for sure."