Golf: Illini Get Richer With Commitment of Noah Gillard
When a team has made the last nine men’s golf national championships is it fair to say they are a dynasty?
Well, the Illinois Fighting Illini men’s golf team has done just that and they continue to grow as players from across the country sign up to play under Head Coach Mike Small.
A few days ago, the Illini received a commitment from Indiana golfer Noah Gillard. This is one of those cases where the rich get richer.
Excited to say that I have committed to play college golf at the University of Illinois! #illini pic.twitter.com/7GivcUELsn
— Noah (@NoahGillard9) September 20, 2016
Illinois has been to back-to-back Final 4’s and has been to at least the Elite 8 the last four seasons which includes a championship match appearance.
The run the Illini have had is incredible and they are poised to have another great season this year as well.
Illinois has already started off the 2016-17 season with two tournament invitational wins and I fully expect them to head back to their unprecedented 10th straight national championship.
But, Small and company are planning for the future already with the commitment of Gillard.
Gillard is only a junior this year so he won’t be with the program for a few years from now. But, the Illini snagged an extremely talented player.
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As a freshman at Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana, Gillard was one of the leaders on his team.
Center Grove ended up getting to the State Finals that year and finished 2nd overall. Gillard shot 74 on the day one and 71 on day two to finish 9th overall.
This past season as a sophomore, Gillard shined brighter. His team made it back to the State Finals and he helped carry them there.
Gillard shot a 72 at Sectionals, which was 4th that day. He then shot 72 at Regionals, but he saved his best for last.
In the State Finals, Center Grove finished 3rd overall and Gillard showed why he is one of the best in the state as a sophomore.
Gillard shot 70 on the first day and 69 on day two to finish 2nd overall. This was a great showing and it is extremely impressive considering the talent that comes out of Indiana in golf.
Illinois is getting a proven winner in Gillard. He is only a junior in high school but he has more accolades than most seniors.
If anyone thinks this run of great Illinois golf is coming to an end, you better think twice. Small and the Illini may just be beginning.
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