Lisle Lions

AT A GLANCE
Conference Interstate Eight
Home course River Bend, Lisle
Last year’s results 6th at Somonauk regional, one sectional qualifier
Coach Scott Waible, 2nd season

TOP RETURNERS
Nick Burdett                   so.
Pat Grant                        so.
Gordon Grimm               jr.
Phil Palicka                   so.
Jeff Seiffert                    sr.
Derek Weissinger        so.
Michael Wilkie               jr.

PROMISING NEWCOMERS
Adam Kuzma               so.
Curt Walker                  so.
Dan Wroble                  so.

KEY MEETS
Aug. 25        Kaneland
Sept. 2         Oswego Invite
Sept. 10       Wheaton Academy/Reed-Custer
Sept. 13       Aurora Central Catholic Invite
Sept. 23       Dwight
Sept. 29       Interstate Eight Tournament

OUTLOOK
Looking to rebound from last year’s so-so season (Dan Kelly was the only sectional qualifier and the Lions were sixth in the regional standings), the Lions pepper some larger schools onto the schedule (Kaneland dual, Oswego invite). With several players returning from last year’s team, that should help them prepare for the pressures of the postseason.

Lisle’s  conference slate includes a home dual with Dwight, which finished second in the regional round last year and didn’t graduate one player from its top six. The dual against Wheaton Academy will also test the Lions; the Warriors won a regional last year and return their top two scorers from that team.

The large group of underclassmen (12 freshmen and sophomores and only three juniors and seniors) ensures that even if the Lions don’t return to their previous heights this season, then at least they have a promising future.

Senior Stephanie Pelling and Freshman Melanie Early comprise the girls team, which has two matches — Aug. 28 against visiting Somonauk and Sandwich, and Oct. 1 hosting Westmont — on the slate.