For the first time in five years, coach Brian Kopecky will not have a Hudson brother playing for Lyons. Dan Hudson (Kansas) and Jon Hudson (Iowa State) both are on college teams.
Senior Jason Miller and sophomore Patrick Akaniroj return from last year’s seventh-place team at state. Along the way, Lyons tagged Hinsdale Central with its only loss last season by winning the Class 3A Hinsdale South Regional, 296-302.
Akaniroj was third on the team at regionals last season as a freshman. The Willow Springs resident tied for 62nd at the state meet. This summer, he placed fifth at the Chick Evans, seventh in the MAJGT Championship July 27-29 at Illinois State and competed in the American Junior Golf Association Midwest Junior Players Championship.
Kopecky’s top newcomers include juniors Griffin Wasz and Bryce Mitchell and sophomore Max Campbell.
Top player
Jason Miller, senior: The Western Springs native was scheduled to play in the Illinois Junior Golf Association Player of the Year tournament Monday, Aug. 10, at the Highlands in Elgin. Miller, who tied for 67th in the Class 3A state meet last season, entered the final tournament ranked 25th in the IJGA player of the year standings.
One of Miller’s best rounds of the summer was a 71 to finish second at the IJGA Players Day July 13 at St. Andrews. He placed fifth at the MAJGT Second City Classic July 1-2 at Ravisloe.
Lyons coach Brian Kopecky said he spoke with Miller about his recent play leading up to the first day of tryouts on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
“I hope he can consistently score in the mid-70s,” Kopecky said. “He’s capable of scoring 73, 74. That’s my hope for him. This is his third varsity season. He’s a pretty good player. He worked all summer. His goal is to play college golf, maybe it’s not Division I, but he wants to play someplace. That’s what drives him.”
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