When finishing second in the state as a team and as an individual qualifies as a disappointment, you know you’ve set your bar pretty high.
Noah Gillard’s high school golf career didn’t end the way he wanted it to, but after taking a step back from it all, the recently graduated Center Grove star is able to take pride in the legacy he’s leaving behind.
That legacy includes delivering the first team and individual state championships in program history a year ago. The Trojans won four straight regional titles during Gillard’s career and finished in the state’s top three each year.
As an individual, the 6-foot-7 Gillard placed in the top 10 at the state finals four times, including one championship and two runner-up finishes.
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Center Grove has firmly established itself as one of the state’s elite programs over these past four seasons, a testament to the talent and work ethic of Gillard and classmate Sam Jean, a fellow All-State performer.
“It’s been an incredible four years,” Gillard said. “Me and Sam, I felt like, have definitely built a great program for the younger guys, and hopefully they can build upon that.”
Gillard, meanwhile, will be taking his talents to the University of Illinois, where he’ll be putting all of his athletic efforts into golf for the first time.
He spent the past two winters playing for the Trojans’ varsity basketball team.
“It’ll definitely be a change not playing basketball, which I love,” the 6-foot-7 Gillard said, “but I’m excited to compete at the D-I level and see where my coach takes me to.”
Under coach Mike Small, the Fighting Illini have become about the only northern school consistently ranked in the nation’s top 20. The program has produced a number of pro players, including such notables as longtime PGA Tour standout Steve Stricker.
Gillard believes that everything in Champaign is lined up to give him a chance to make a career out of golf. Whether he can take advantage of the opportunity is up to him.
“It’ll be all on me to do that,” he said.
And it’ll be on the Trojans to find a replacement for the most irreplaceable player they’ve ever had.
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The 2018 All-Johnson County team for boys golf:
Logan Anderson, Center Grove junior: Tied for 31st at state finals with a total of 156 … Fired a 71 at Center Grove Sectional, the second lowest score in the field … Tied for fourth at county with a 74.
Luke DeHaven, Center Grove junior: Helped Trojans win fourth straight regional title with a 73, second best score on the team … Tied for fourth at Johnson County championships with a 74
Damon Dickey, Franklin freshman: Earned individual medalist honors at Johnson County championship with a round of 70 … Third among individuals at Mid-State Conference tourney and at Center Grove Sectional.
Noah Gillard, Center Grove senior: Medalist in conference meet as well as Center Grove Sectional and Providence Regional … Lost playoff that would have made him first repeat state medalist since 1995.
Alex Heck, Center Grove sophomore: Tied for 20th at state finals with a total of 152, firing a final-round 73 to help Trojans finish second … Carded a 74 at Providence Regional.
Sam Jean, Center Grove senior: Illinois-bound star tied for 17th at state finals with a 151 total … Shot 71 at MIC tourney, 73 at Center Grove Sectional and 74 at Providence Regional.
Matt Jordan, Franklin senior: Finished second at Mid-State Conference championships with a 70 and tied for second at county with a 71 … Had a 72 to help Grizzly Cubs take second at sectional.
Honorable mention
Chris Ashmore, Greenwood; Chandler Donahue, Indian Creek; Isaac Ebeyer, Whiteland; Quin Edwards, Franklin; Bladen Hancock, Edinburgh; Javan Johnson, Franklin; Blake McIntire, Franklin; Zach Ricketts, Whiteland; Scott Russell, Indian Creek; Gabe Vessely, GCA; Trent Vislay, Greenwood
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A look at how Noah Gillard and Center Grove fared at the state finals during his four years:
Year;Score;Team finish;Ind. finish
2015;145;2nd;T-9th
2016;139;3rd;2nd
2017;138;1st;1st
2018;145;2nd;T-1st (lost in playoff)
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