Sectional medalists ready to prove Mid-Illini golfers are among the state’s best

EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — A mid-October practice for the Washington golf team is special.

It means the Panthers have had a special season. They are headed to state after capturing the school's first boys golf sectional title.

"It's big to these kids, big to the school," said Washington boys golf coach Dan Garske. "It was surprising to see how many people were happy for us."

Washington won the 3A sectional at Decatur last week.

"To know nobody else in Washington has done this before, brings some pride to us," said Washington junior Gavin Schreurs. "The job is not over yet. Sectional champs are good, state champs are better."

Schreurs leads the way for Washington, he shot a 69 and earned medalist honors in Decatur. East Peoria's Connor Watson fired a 66 and was the 2A sectional medalist in Champaign.

The two are players from Mid-Illini Conference rivals are pulling for each other this week at state. They say conference matches have prepared them to play well for the state postseason.

"We push each other to be the best we can," said Watson. "We help each other to try to improve. It's a lot of fun."

Watson is playing at state for the first time. Schreurs, who led Washington to the Mid-Illini title, is frequently at state for the first time.

"I always want to root for Connor. He's an amazing person," said Schreurs. "I'm glad he has found success as well."

Watson's East Peoria teammate Nicholas Unes has advanced to state, so has Dunlap's Nolan Eccles. Morton's Chase Hopper and Jacob Anderson will also represent the Mid-Illini Conference at the class 2A state finals at Weibring Golf Club in Normal this weekend.

"We have a really good conference. It's a lot of fun, a lot of good competition," said Watson. "It helps everybody improve a lot."