Chasing state dreams

The Madden Curse, the Sports Illustrated cover curse and the Curse of the Billy Goat are jinxes that have plagued the sports world for decades.

Over the past few years the Tipton Cardinals boys golf team has endured a curse of its own — the Even Year Curse.

Since Tipton golf coach Danny Dick took over the reins as head coach in 2001, the even-numbered years have yet to produce a championship team.

In 2002 the Cardinals placed 10th in the state tournament. Tipton placed sixth in 2004 and third in 2006.

The odd-numbered years have produced three state titles. The Cardinals hope 2008 will bring an end to the curse once and for all.

“We haven’t done well in the even-numbered years and this is an even-numbered year,” said Dick. “I see a lot of things that have affected that.

Again, in 2006 it was just the way we played. We didn’t have one guy that played to his potential. They avenged themselves, though, in 2007.”

To break the curse, Tipton will send Trey Allison, David Romig, Andrew Huhmann, Noah Kelley and Isaac Garber into the 2008 Class 1 championship at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club in Bolivar.

The Tipton team features three seniors — Allison, Romig and Huhmann — all with the leadership and experience that will be vital for the team to succeed.

Allison is the team’s anchor and is a two-time all-state golfer. He tied for 14th in state as a freshman and tied for eighth as a junior.

Romig and Huhmann have been to the state tournament before and are expecting big things from their team this year.

Kelley, who has been the team’s No. 2 golfer this season, posted a 76 at the district tournament and will look to keep the momentum going at state.

Garber is the lone freshman on the team and has posted solid numbers for the Cardinals throughout the season.

“Even though it’s an even year, and we haven’t produced in the even-numbered years, our deal has always been playing at a new venue,” Dick said.

“In 2003 we played at Deer Lake. ... In 2005 they moved us to Island Green for the first time, we won, new venue. Last year they moved us to Rivercut. ...We won that.”

The tournament shifts to Bolivar this year.

“Maybe we will get rid of the even-numbered jinx by playing at a new venue,” Dick said.

The Tipton team will try for its third state title in five years on Monday and Tuesday.

“The expectations are what they (team) put on themselves, more than anything else,” Dick said. “I feel like they have a chance to win it and I know they are going to give it 100 percent.

“I think if we play to our potential I’m sure we are a top- four team. Without putting any pressure on anybody, I have to say we are the team to beat.”