Vernon Hills juniors Dylan “DJ” Josephson and AJ Kaprosy have a lot in common.
Golf is their only sport. They have the same private coach. And they will finish their second varsity season together in the Class 2A Freeport Sectional on Monday.
Kaprosy said he moved from Cleveland to Vernon Hills in eighth grade, and he and Josephson soon struck up a friendship that started to flourish when they began taking golf more seriously after their freshman season.
“It’s kind of funny because there are so many things we share alike,” Kaprosy said.
They hope to add a sectional championship to the list.
Led by Kaprosy’s 79 and Josephson’s 81, the Cougars placed second in the Class 2A Grayslake Central Regional on Tuesday to qualify for the sectional at Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport.
The Cougars totaled 333, one stroke behind Grayslake Central, as their run of consecutive regional titles ended at nine.
“Since we had our regional streak snapped, we’re trying to do something that Vernon Hills has never done before and win sectionals,” Kaprosy said. “That’s our goal. Dylan and I are treating it like a state tournament.”
Vernon Hills coach Shawn Healey said Josephson, who’s a captain, and Kaprosy form the backbone of the team with their positive attitude and talent.
“DJ is one of the friendliest, happiest kids I’ve ever coached,” Healey said. “He loves practicing, loves playing and loves improving. The other kids love playing with him. He has a tremendous attitude.
“AJ loves competition. He gets fired up in competitive situations and hates to lose. He can get on a roll and get hot, like he did at regionals.”
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Josephson, a self-described even-keeled player, and Kaprosy also have a similar determination to exorcise past demons on the golf course.
“My parents always have been happy people, so growing up I’ve always tried to have a positive mindset, just always been a happy kid,” he said. “It goes into golf as well. I usually don’t get upset. … Last time I really, really got upset was at sectionals last year, when I lost the playoff. I three-putted on the last hole to lose the playoff. It was a bad moment. The whole team was watching, and it really bothered me.
“I’m super hyped, ready to get back and take it down this time at sectionals, to not leave anything on the course.”
Kaprosy already met his primary personal goal when he earned a spot in the Cougars’ lineup for the regional, which he didn’t do last season. But he doesn’t intend to settle for that.
“I didn’t play in our own regional (last season), and it stung,” Kaprosy said. “I lost in a playoff to make our cut. I hurt my back pretty good in tryouts, so it was one thing after another all season. Now to be playing well, it’s a good feeling.”
Josephson said physical maturity and a strong mental approach helped him post low scores more consistently this season.
“I used to be a really good short hitter, and everyone would drive the ball way past me,” he said. “My short game was really strong. But this year I’ve grown a lot, gotten bigger. I hit the ball a lot farther.”
Healey said Josephson and Kaprosy have become more well-rounded golfers. Each has lowered his scores nearly 10 strokes since last season.
“They are both extremely hard workers and have worked tirelessly to improve their games,” Healey said. “They didn’t take time off after last season and worked all winter to improve and came back as more complete golfers.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.