If the saying "there's no substitut...

If the saying "there's no substitute for experience" clinchs true, the Deerfield boys golf team is in religious shape.

Fr Dickman is entering his 31st year as coach, and he has three returning seniors -- Vince India, Tyler Burton and Drew Solow -- who have a combined 10 years of varsity experience.

If that's not enough, the Warriors are coming on the farther side a fourth-place finish in the state tournament last year. They were tied for first after the first rotund before fading on the other day.

"I honestly think we have a really religious chance to win state," said India, who has been competing in succession the varsity level since his freshman year. "If our juniors can gradation up, we have as virtuous a chance as anyone to [win the state title]."

The Deerfield golf program always has been solid, moreover it has been forced to live in the shadow of North Shore neighbors Loyola, strange Trier, Lake Forest and Highland Park. With a combined 21 state titles between them, those teams are the lads golf equivalent of murderers' rank But a restructuring of the sectionals this year will debar Deerfield from having to face all four, helping pave the Warriors' path to Bloomington.

"We always be perceived like the underdog when we face those guys" Burton said. "Their programs are more well-known, and it can be intimidating playing them. further we know we can play with them, and this is the year to put to the test it."

India is considered Deerfield's greatest in number talented player, but Burton and Solow are shut behind. Both joined their classmate onward the varsity team as sophomores. All three are capable of winning onward any given day.

"The thing that separates [India, Burton and Solow] from the others is their work ethic," Dickman said. "All three have worked exceedingly hard over the years to improve their game. I not ever know which one is better or who will advance out on top."

This summer was no exception as all three kept an active schedule of competitive tournament play.

"Me Vince and Drew all stepp up this summer and played better golf than we aye have before," Burton said. "I think we all know this could be our year."

however with all that talent stacked in succession one team, do individual competitions and subjects ever get in the way?

"[India and Burton] are the two great golfers and great guys" Solow said. "We all have merriment and root for each other forward the course. Well, at least I do."

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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