The Delavan Boys Varsity Golf Team stands united after a thrilling finish at the Ray Toland PORTA Invitational—(from left) Carson Ibbotson, Drake Neuendorf, Lyndon Miller, Grady Burrell, Trace Kight-Garlisch, Caden Rassi, and Hudson Briggs—each contributing to a team score that tied for first before a tiebreaker decided the title.
Panthers Swing Strong in Back-to-Back Tournaments
The Delavan Boys Varsity Golf Team capped off a competitive week on the links with grit, precision, and standout performances in two major tournaments that showcased the depth and promise of the Panthers’ roster.
ICAC Tournament: Burrell and Kight-Garlisch Lead the Charge
On Tuesday, September 23, the Panthers teed off at the ICAC (Inter County Athletic Conference) Tournament held at Wee-Ma-Tuk Golf Club in Havana. Facing a stacked field, Delavan held their own and clinched a hard-earned third-place finish in the team standings.
Sophomore Grady Burrell was locked in from the first tee, carding a brilliant 72 to finish as the individual runner-up. His poise and consistency under pressure were matched by fellow sophomore Trace Kight-Garlisch, who fired a 76 to secure a Top-5 finish. The duo’s performance anchored the Panthers’ push in one of the most competitive conference fields of the season.
Ray Toland PORTA Invitational: A Nail-Biter in Petersburg
Just four days later, on Saturday, September 27, the Panthers traveled to Shambolee Golf Course in Petersburg for the annual Ray Toland PORTA Invitational. With ten teams and nine schools in contention, the stakes were high—and Delavan rose to the occasion.
After 18 holes of focused play, the Panthers found themselves tied with host team PORTA AC Bluejays at 326. In a rare and dramatic finish, the Bluejays edged out Delavan using their fifth score as a tiebreaker to claim the title.
Individually, Trace Kight-Garlisch once again delivered under pressure, tying Havana’s Miles Chapin for the lead with a 75. The two squared off in a playoff on hole #1, where Chapin sealed the win with a clutch par. Kight-Garlisch’s runner-up finish capped a week of stellar play and cemented his status as one of the region’s rising talents.
Panther Pride and Promise
While the team narrowly missed the top spot at Shambolee, their consistent scoring and competitive spirit across both tournaments signal a strong trajectory heading into the postseason. With Burrell and Kight-Garlisch leading the way, and a supporting cast gaining experience and confidence, the Panthers are proving they belong among the area’s elite.
Coach and community alike have much to be proud of—and even more to look forward to—as Delavan’s young golfers continue to make their mark.
