SUGAR GROVE — Michael Feagles and Giovanni Tadiotto walked off the 17th green at Rich Harvest Farms, arm and arm, the Illinois freshmen each suffering a similar fate on the intimidating hole at the NCAA championships that ultimately ended the Illini comeback bid against Oklahoma.
Players wept as they hopped onto shuttles that sped them back to the clubhouse, and as the tears dried, the disappointment lingered.
For the third straight season, Illinois reached the Final Four in men’s golf and for the third straight year, the season ended at the same stage.
Another great season for Mike Small’s program will be celebrated, and it should.