EHS Wins First Regional Title Since 1961

Effingham High School won its first regional golf championship since 1961. The Hearts now advance to sectional play Monday. Members of the team are, left to right, Coach Jeff Schafer, Reed Schafer, Anthony Lechman, Jackson Wendling, Anthony Barrett, Sean Sandifor and Jake Linders.

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Effingham High School won its first golf regional championship since 1961 Tuesday at the Effingham Country Club.

The Hearts tallied a 312 to edge out Highland 313, Mount Vernon 319, Troy Triad 333, Centralia 339, Salem 355, Olney 366, Hillsboro 366, Greenville 369 and Breese Central 403.

Effingham's Jackson Wendling was medalist for the event with a 71 while teammates Anthony Lechman took third with a 76, Anthony Barrett ninth with a 79 and Jake Linders 24th with an 86.

"This was huge for our golf program at EHS," said Coach Jeff Schafer. "This is the first time I have had six country club members in a starting lineup and that is huge. Jackson was incredible winning his third tournament in a row. He came up big for us, executing down the stretch. He and Anthony Lechman have been an awesome one-two punch for us all year.

"Anthony finished third with a 76. He was steady all day. Anthony Barrett followed up last year's big regional round with another huge 79. He was very consistent from tee to green all day. Jake Linders, Sean Sandifer and Reed Schafer all are capable of better but were good enough to help us win.

"The Carbondale Sectional will be like a mini St. Anthony Tournament with four really good regionals feeding into it. We will get a couple practice rounds in and be ready for Monday at Hickory Ridge. I am very proud of the poise and effort these guys showed today."

Advancing along with the Hearts in the team competition were Highland and Mount Vernon. Individuals advancing were Blaine Buente (Troy Triad) 75, Austin Buente (Troy Triad) 81, Mason McReaken (Centralia) 81, Brandon Middleton (Centralia) 83, Ben Leible (Hillsboro) 83, Rob Foreman (Salem) 84, Blake Moss (Greenville) 85, Joshua Haussy (Olney) 85, Broc Everley (Hillsboro) 85 and Joe Tolliver (Salem) 85.