By Joey Gelman (Story and Photos)
Lane Tech captured the Chicago Public League Boys Golf Team Championship for the first time in 25 years with a score of 301, finally capturing the elusive title that they just missed in 2023 with a runner-up finish.
This year’s team was powered by four seniors, who all came out for the team together their freshman year, with the goal of turning this program into a city champion once again. For context, each of these students wasn’t even born the last time Lane took home the trophy, which for reference, was the same year as the premiere of SpongeBob Squarepants, Tiger Woods’ first PGA Championship and the creation of the Euro currency.
Team captains Jackson Hutchison and Will Walsh led by example this year alongside their fellow seniors Garrett Nielsen and Nolan Matthews, who provided key guidance and expectations for fellow younger players Frederick Dino and Jeremiah Aguinga.
“I think starting with our captains, Jackson and Will, they set the precedent with the team this year, working and grinding in practice,” Lane Tech head coach Robert Hirsch said. “They wanted to make everyone better and this is the best team we’ve had in the last couple of years because they pushed the limit of what everyone could do.”
Hirsch, in his seventh and final season coaching Lane Tech, could not have been any more proud of his players and team, closing this chapter personally at Lane for him and for his seniors.
“I think for all of us that are done, it’s good to get the win,” said Hirsch. “They earned it, I kind of let them take the reigns this year and let them decide what they wanted to do in practice and matches and they excelled in it. I’m proud of what they did.”
Lane Tech did not only win the team title, but had their very own Will Walsh secure the individual title.
It was a close back-and-forth finish between Walsh and Amundsen’s Ali Heckmati, with key fairway shots down the stretch to secure the victory.
“Just a lot of waiting, nerves and a lot of pressure, but glad to come out on top,” said Walsh after securing the individual crown.
“Through 10 holes I didn’t think I had much of a chance for the individual win. So I was just going to do it for my guys, for my team, and we got both wins in hand.”
Walsh’s turnaround powered the team to victory and also inspired his teammates, as Frederick Dino, Garret Neilsen and Hutchison all finished with top 10 scores.
“Four years ago we had a lot of freshmen make the team. All of us are now grown up… this was our last chance… this was our coach’s last chance… it means everything to us,” Walsh said.
Lane Tech and the rest of the qualifying CPS Boys Golf teams and individual competitors continue their season in the IHSA State Playoffs with the finals taking place October 18-19.
The City Championship concluded with the following Team Scores:
Lane Tech – 301
Payton / Jones – 316
Whitney Young – 322
Amundsen – 347
The City Championship concluded with the following Individual Placers:
William Walsh – Lane Tech – 1st Place – 74
Ali Heckmati – Amundsen – 2nd Place – 75
Frederick Dino – Lane Tech – 2nd Place 75
Garrett Neilsen – Lane Tech – 2nd Place- 75
Henry O’Toole- Payton / Jones – 3rd Place – 76
Mason Fernandez – Payton / Jones – 3rd Place – 76
