Giants are ready to state their case

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Highland Park golfer Jane Seder follows through on her swing during regional action last week. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

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Updated: November 16, 2011 1:18PM

Jane Seder is not accustomed to operating as the team’s No. 4 golfer. The Highland Park High School star quickly regained her foothold as the club’s top player, carding an even-par 74 during Monday’s IHSA Class 2A Buffalo Grove Sectional.

Seder, who played No. 4 based on regional results, sparked the Giants to a sectional title. The club fired a 305 at the 5,712-yard Buffalo Grove Golf Course, and must be considered a contender for a state title this weekend.

“Jane just went out there and attacked,” said Giants coach Cathy Nachman, aware Seder shot 38-36. “She knew what needed to be done, and she showed her experience.”

Freshman Kelli Ono shared the fourth-place medal with Seder by firing 34-40 (74).

“Kelli blistered the front nine,” Nachman said. “She’s been amazing. She’s been in the 70s in every tournament we’ve played.”

Ono overcame a bout of nerves to post a low score.

“I think she was a little nervous,” Nachman said. “But it didn’t stop her from doing anything.”

Nicole Feierberg came through with a solid third score. She carded a 75 to tie for seventh.

“She’s been solid for her whole four years,” Nachman said. “She has a beautiful swing. She was a little more relaxed than I’ve seen her.”

Tina Berardi, who occupied the No. 1 slot, filled out the scorecard by shooting 82.

“Tina has been in the five or six slot all year,” Nachman noted. “She had some nerves at the beginning, but she righted the ship pretty well. It was a really big experience to be in the lead role, and she handled it really well.”

The other Giant competitors at sectional were Jacki Berardi (90) and Liza Kraff (92).

“I have extreme confidence that Jacki and Liza will bounce back in a big way (at state),” the coach said.

Nachman believes Highland Park will be a major player in the state tournament this weekend at Hickory Point Golf Course in Forsyth.

“We should be in good position to contend for the state title,” said Nachman, aware the 305 was the second-lowest score in school history.

The Giants, who beat runner-up Prospect by 14 strokes, celebrated on the bus ride home.

“The kids were really fired up,” Nachman said. “They were enjoying the moment like I’ve never seen them enjoy a moment. It was really amazing.”

Boys golf

Fred Dickman has witnessed some amazing things during his 51 years in District 113.

The Deerfield High School boys golf coach put together his final act on Monday by guiding a trio of players in the IHSA Class 3A Fremd Sectional. The coach saw the season end for sophomore Ian Kelsey (83), junior Colin Davis (87) and junior Ari Marks (91).

“It was a great experience for them,” Dickman said.

Sounds like all the years Dickman spent at both Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools. He served stints as a coach and athletic director.

“Let’s just say I was blessed to be in the district this long,” Dickman said. “John Klein has been my assistant at Deerfield for 28 years. We have a lot of great memories.”

As the Warriors were packing up, Dickman received some good news. His grandson, Connor Dickman, had qualified for the Class 2A State Tournament as a member of Vernon Hills.

“I get to go Downstate to cheer Connor on,” Dickman said.

Highland Park sent two boys to the sectional meet. Jonathan Gerrard (83) and Patrick Flavin (89) both came up short in their bids to qualify for state.