The Chester boys golf squad took on Pinckneyville, Du Quoin and Anna-Jonesboro Friday at the Red Hawk Golf Course.
The Panthers took first place with a team score of 171, followed by Anna-Jonesboro (184), Du Quoin (196), and Chester (218).
Senior Brett Barthol lead the Jackets with a 45 for the day with one birdie, one par, and four bogeys. Freshman Jonavan Richelman came in close to Barthol’s heels once again with a solid 48, including two pars and three bogeys. Senior Sam Higgerson will be looking ahead to a better day at Red Hawk next week with his opening venture bringing in a carded 64. Freshman Robert Gonzalez, who played a round of 66 today, was pumped and excited about his improvements on the course.
“I was using my irons more today,” said Gonzalez as Red Hawk’s front nine limits the necessity of a driver. “And I am hitting my seven wood much better.”
Junior Steven Wright brought in a 61 and contributed to the Jacket’s team score. Wright’s round includes one bogey and three  double-bogeys, but the improvement for both players seemed to be in their comfort on the course. Where Gonzalez mentioned liking the open fairways as in Chester and Wright commented that simply being able to joke and get along with the other players in his group eased the whole experience.