Senior Brady Schier putts for a birdie during sectional play at The Legends.
Daily Journal file photo
Center Grove’s blueblood status hiccupped last spring, and the aftertaste wasn’t pleasant.
After capturing two state championships and finishing runner-up three times since the 2015 season, the Trojans were as much a staple of state finals competition as varied pin placements.
In 2022, however, the Trojans found themselves on the outside looking in after placing fourth at the Providence Regional — a single shot behind third-place Jasper.
“It was heartbreaking, really,” said senior Brady Schier, the Trojans’ No. 1 golfer this season after playing in the 4 spot a year ago. “It hurt a lot. We just didn’t have our best day at regional, and just fell one shot short.”
With a year to think about it, Center Grove was determined to return to its rightful place at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel, site of the program’s recent triumphs and near-triumphs.
“It was definitely disappointing,” Trojans coach Matt Rodman said of the 2022 regional at Champions Pointe. “But probably the biggest thing for me from a coaching standpoint with this team is we were more competitive in practices leading up to sectional and regional.
“Also, three of our five starters this season weren’t part of the disappointment last season. They were just fresh, hungry and motivated.”
As the lone senior starter, Schier is the undisputed greybeard of the bunch.
Sophomore James Beetz, who played No. 5 a year ago, currrently holds down the second spot. Freshman Nathan Springer is the No. 3 player, and two more sophs, Brody Holubar and Noah Parsetich, play at 4 and 5, respectively.
Rodman has used that same lineup the past three weeks with positive results. Center Grove won the Franklin Sectional by 10 strokes and this time won the Providence Regional by eight.
The Trojans’ respective sectional and regional scores are as follows: Schier 77-71, Beetz 74-78, Springer 75-71, Holubar 66-72 and Parsetich 77-78.
Holubar’s sectional performance earned him medalist honors; he, Schier and Springer all finished among the top six individuals at the regional.
“I think it’s nice to see the young guys play well, but it’s really not surprising,” Schier said. “They have a lot of talent, and I firmly believe we’re one of the hardest-working teams in the state.
“The way we’re playing now, we have a serious chance to win. We’re just going to go out there and play, and whatever happens, happens.”
Rodman figures he’s incorporated between five and eight different lineups this spring in an effort to give his squad the best opportunity for another long postseason run.
The postseason started with the Hamilton County trio of Westfield, Hamilton Southeastern and Guerin Catholic sitting 1-2-3 in the state rankings.
Hanging back at No. 8 was Center Grove, which more than once has proven to be completely fearless and most composed on the biggest stage possible.
“I see how hard they work. These kids, from Nos. 1 to 21, they just keep working, and we’re getting better and better as the season goes on,” Rodman said. “We’re firing on all cylinders right now, and are excited.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do.”
IF YOU GO
IHSAA State Finals
When: Today and Wednesday, 8 a.m.
Where: Prairie View Golf Club, Carmel
Admission: $15 (ticket good for both days); children 5 and under free. All tickets will be digital through your mobile phone and may be purchased at GoFan.co.
Qualifying teams: Center Grove, Bloomington South, Chesterton, Columbus North, Evansville Memorial, Evansville North, Floyd Central, Guerin Catholic, Hamilton Southeastern, Homestead, Leo, Noblesville, Northridge, Penn, Tipton, Valparaiso, Westfield, Zionsville
