Ask a local golf fan to name a member of the Illinois golf team, and they will start with Nick Hardy and Dylan Meyer.
That makes sense.
The two seniors have been important contributors for coach Mike Small since they first arrived on campus. Back in 2014.
Hardy and Meyer helped the Illini reach the NCAA semifinals three consecutive years with a great chance to make it four in a row this year.
If the team finally climbs the mountain and wins its first NCAA title, Hardy and Meyer will be crucial.
But the key to winning it all rests with the super sophomores: Bryan Baumgarten, Michael Feagles and Giovanni Tadiotto.