It takes balance to excel in golf, and Fenwick’s Joe Inzano seems to be ready to walk on a wire this season.
Inzano, who missed most of last season with a broken wrist, possesses a golfer’s dream-the perfect combination. The senior “hits the ball a mile,” and has a great short game, according to Fenwick head coach Terry Keogh. “He’s an exceptional player, who, I would imagine, has a lot to prove this season. Being out last year, I’m sure he’s looking to make this a successful final year of his high school golfing career.”
Keogh said Inzano fits right into the top spot left by Bill Seyfarth last season. Inzano’s average hovers in the low 70s for 18 holes, and he’s played a lot of tournament golf since the injury.
“He seems mentally ready as well,” said Keogh of Inzano. “He’s doesn’t get rattled; he’s very patient, very reserved. He has all the attributes to be a real good player.”
It’s up to Inzano and Co. to improve on Fenwick’s fourth place showing at sectionals last year. Familiar names returning to the lineup this season include Matt Napleton, Mike Cosgrove, and Mike Sullivan. Napleton, a junior, who “kills the ball,” plays in the high 70s and low 80s, according to Keogh. Last season, Napleton helped the Friars finish second at the Elmhurst Regional by shooting 80. Cosgrove and Sullivan shot in the 70s as freshmen last year. Two seniors thrown into the mix are Will Schulenberg and Rudy Fratto.
Keogh will also have the opportunity to get steady play from new recruits Rob Hickey and Rob Lawlor, who helped the Frosh-Soph team win the Catholic League last season.
It’ll take several good strokes for the varsity Friars to move up in the Catholic League. Providence and Bishop McNamara look to be early favorites for the top spot. Bishop McNamara returns Chris Burgner, who shot a 6-under 65 in a 16-team tournament last season. The Friars finished fourth in the league last season, but that doesn’t seem to bother Keogh, who has high expectations for this group.
“We’re going to go downstate this year,” he said. “It’s the goal. The squad needs to get a little more consistent is all, where six players finish with good scores instead of the usual four. But I can’t wait for the season to begin.”
On Saturday, the Friars travel to Coyote Creek Country Club in Bartonville for the Limestone Invitational. They’ll begin league play against Providence on Aug. 23, and take on Bishop McNamara on Aug. 27.