DARIEN — It didn’t take long for one coach in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division to think about who is the conference favorite this season.
The quick answer was Hinsdale South, despite the loss of Chris Kopp to graduation.
The Hornets may not have an ace scorer anymore like Kopp, but return three veterans from last year’s Class 3A sectional qualifier. Seniors David Basa, Danny Ormiston and Matt Reschke were scorers in Hinsdale South’s second-place finisher at the Naperville Central Regional last season at the Links of Carillon in Plainfield.
All three golfers shot below 80 at the regional and make up the nucleus of this year’s unit. Reschke was an all-conference selection and is one of the only three-sport athletes remaining among Hinsdale South boys as a reserve on the basketball team and the starting outfielder from the conference champion baseball team.
“[Reschke] comes out after the first couple of weeks, but he’ll be there ready to hit the ball [after playing baseball],” Hinsdale South coach Bruce Kendrick said.
One of Hinsdale South’s newcomers, senior Mike Bronsteader, is another baseball player. One other senior to start the season with the varsity is Eric Baumbach.
“I’m looking forward to the season,” Kendrick said.
Among juniors, only Brian Strumillo will start the season on the varsity. The top alternates ready to fill in are juniors Patrick Ormiston, Danny’s younger brother, and Jordan Urbanick.
Hinsdale South opened the season Tuesday in the Oak Park-River Forest Invitational at Village Links of Glen Ellyn. After placing sixth last season, the Hornets return to the Addison Trail Invitational Wednesday at Maple Meadows in Wood Dale.
Hinsdale South doesn’t open conference play until Aug. 28 against Downers Grove South at Village Greens in Woodridge, but the Hornets face the top two teams in the Silver at Lyons Township Aug. 21 and at home against Hinsdale Central Aug. 23 before opening the Gold division.
LT was second and Hinsdale was fourth in last year’s state meet.