Freeport, IL - The preseason optimism for the Illinois Central College men's golf program has not gone to waste, and it didn't take long to fulfill it either. The Cougars went up to Freeport on Friday morning for a 36-hole day called the Highland 36. ICC started hot and stayed hot, with Trey Boecker winning his first-ever collegiate event, and the Cougars winning the 19-team event. 

Boecker (-3 / 141), as mentioned, was on top of his game, getting a birdie or better on eight holes, including eagling the par-5 18th at the Park Hills West Course. Perhaps Boecker's most consistent hole of the day was the par-4 3rd, where he birdied on both rounds. All of that on way to individual medalist honors to start his college career. 

Quinn Cox (E / 144) was right behind Boecker, finishing third on the leaderboard. Cox birdied 10 of his 36 holes, including six birdies in the second round as part of a 70. 

DJ Norman (+1 / 145) found himself a mere single stroke behind as well, getting five birdies by day's end, including birdies on the par-5 1st and par-5 15th in both rounds. 

Brock Taylor (+2 / 146) kept things consistent for the Cougars at the top, getting four birdies, including the 4th, 5th, and 9th holes during his second round of the day, with that latter round ending as a 72. 

Brooks Cluver (+3 / 147) had the most holes of birdie or better on the team with 12. Cluver had a remarkable start to his second round, with birdies on the first and second holes, a par on three, and eagling the fourth hole for a -4 through three. Cluver also birdied or better on the 1st (both birdies) and fourth (birdie, eagle) in both rounds. 

Peyton Woods (+5 / 149) had seven birdies, with four of them coming in his first round of the day, whilst also getting birdies on the 6th and 18th holes in both rounds. 

Drake Kaufman (+12 / 156) birdied on five holes, including both rounds on the par-3 11th. His first round was the best of his day, ending with a 74. 

Hunter Ficken (+12 / 156) birdied on seven holes, and got four of them on his first round of the day, including back-to-back birdies on the par-4 16th and par-3 17th. 

HE SAID IT - QUOTE FROM COACH SEAN KENNEDY
"A terrific season opener and an energetic bus ride home from Freeport. It was rewarding to watch the sophomores continue their fine play from our Nationals run last spring and exciting watching the freshmen make an immediate impact. A quick turnaround to load the bus on Monday." 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
Trey Boecker | 1st Place | -3 / 141
Quinn Cox | 3rd Place | E / 144
DJ Norman | 4th Place | +1 / 145
Brooks Cluver | 7th Place | +3 / 147
Peyton Woods | 8th Place | +5 / 149
Drake Kaufman | 27th Place | +12 / 156
Hunter Ficken | 27th Place | +12 / 156

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
@ Duan Chanay 36 
Monday, August 26th - 8AM
Oakwood CC - Coal Valley, IL