An Even pace

CEDAR RAPIDS - For most high schoolers, summer is a time to relax and have fun with friends and family.

Xavier senior golfer Jordan Even was able to enjoy all these simple pleasures in addition to a win at the Pribyl Rotary junior golf tournament in Cedar Rapids. This four-day event included some of the elite young golfers from around the area.

With great composure and consistency, Even prevailed in a two-stroke victory on Aug. 8 at Elmcrest Country Club. This achievement has given him confidence for the season this fall.

'Winning the Pribyl helped a lot,” Even said. 'It showed that I can beat every golfer in the area, and it shows that I am worthy of being one of the top golfers in the state.”

The boys' golf program at Xavier has been reaching new heights over the past few seasons, developing a reputation in the Metro area. With three key seniors moving on after graduation, a rebuilding phase has begun for the Saints.

Even is not alone, though. Junior Luke Winker returns with valuable experience and brings along a collection of up-and-coming talent to the varsity squad.

Among the group of underclassmen are sophomores Mitch King, Sam Martin and Tyler Breitbach, along with freshman Matt Neumeyer. Junior Brody Robinson also has played a vital role in his first year as a member of varsity.

The season officially kicked off on Aug. 14 with the Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet in Gates Park in Waterloo. The Saints finished a promising second, 18 strokes behind an accomplished and veteran-led Kennedy squad. Mitch King tied for eighth place individually, shooting a round of 75. The Saints had another impressive showing at St. Andrews on Sept. 4, finishing first out of four teams. Even shot a 1-over-par 36 to capture the top individual medal.

The team is coached by Tim O'Brien, who also is known for his work with BPA and as a teacher in the Business department at Xavier. Even praises his coach's great work ethic and commitment to his athletes.

'He always sets a Catholic example by having us pray before every meet and inspires us to make our faith a big part of our lives as well,” Even said.

This young group of Xavier golfers, combined with Even's experience, are poised to make a mark in the conference once again.