A Perfect Ending


Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

CENTRALIA — Benton boys golf head coach Reggie Norman has a simple philosophy for his players–only worry about what you can control. With a shortened IHSA season due to the pandemic and a postseason with no state tournament, Norman’s approach for his team was just to try to win every time they competed.

And that’s what the Rangers did. Every single time.

Benton wrapped up a perfect 26-0 season by winning the Centralia 2A Sectional championship by 18 shots. Norman’s top player and son, Cy Norman, also completed the individual version of a perfect season, as he earned medalist honors in every tournament he played. The talented sophomore wrapped up his own unbeaten season with a 2-under 68 to win sectional medalist by nine shots.

The Rangers placed three in the top ten. In addition to Norman, freshman Luke Melvin finished sixth with an 81, a shot and a spot better than senior teammate Peyton Sieveking, who tied for seventh with an 82.

Marion senior Hayden Burns carded a 77 to tie for second. Carbondale’s Ian Davis tied for 12th with an 84. The Terriers finished sixth as a team.

Final Team Results:
Benton 318
Highland 336
Mattoon 342
Jacksonville 346
Paris 355
Carbondale 356
Mascoutah 362
Glenwood 367

Final Individual Results:
1) Cy Norman, Benton 68
T2)Hayden Burns, Marion 77
T2)Evan Sutton, Highland 77
T4)Luke Bradley, Paris 80
T4)Nate Rakers, Breese Central 80
6) Luke Melvin, Benton 81
T7)Peyton Sieveking, Benton 82
T7)Brent Hansen, Mt. Zion 82
T7)Brady Kaufmann, Jacksonville 82
T10)Colton Romine, Mattoon 83
T10)Dominick Emig, Highland 83