Atas on track to become best in Maine South history

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Maine South's Leia Atas watches her drive off the second tee during regional competion. Atas tied for 58th at the Class AA state tournament. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

Updated: November 21, 2011 9:31AM

It’s too early to confirm her as the best player in Maine South history, but Leia Atas did a lot in her first season to at least put herself into the conversation.

The freshman advanced to the state tournament in her rookie season and tied for 58th after rounds of 82-91 at Hickory Point Golf in Decatur. Highlighted by a seven-hole stretch where she played 1-under, Atas stood tied for 20th following the first round.

“I could not be more proud with how she played Friday,” Maine South coach Jeff Hamann said. “The wind was ridiculous. I was tired after walking 18 holes, so I can’t imagine how she felt.”

Even though Atas slumped to a 91 in the second round, she closed out the tournament with three consecutive pars.

“She learned from Saturday,” Hamann said. “All the putts that were falling Friday weren’t falling Saturday, and that wears on you. It then affects all aspects of your game.”

Atas has three more seasons to establish herself as the best to play in the program.

At the moment, Rachel Oberheide is that golfer. The 2009 graduate tied for 15th as a senior in her lone trip to the state tournament.

Atas finished her freshman season with a better stroke average than Oberheide did in her first year.

“Rachel really blossomed between her sophomore and junior year,” Hamann said. “But Leia’s on pace to be right there, possibly to be the best player in school history.

“We are really excited.”

What’s more, Hamann said, is that Atas will work to become better. Her older brother David tied for 46th Downstate during his senior season in 2008.

“She even struggled at midseason this year, but she put in the extra time,” the coach said. “I know she’s going to work in the offseason.”

Atas won’t be the only one back for the Hawks in 2012. Hamann expects juniors Kathleen Daly and Kelly McCone and freshman Katie Krall to return to the lineup. Those four were playing the best during the state series.

“This is the best team we’ve ever had,” Hamann said. “I anticipate us to be even better next year. All the kids love golf. They’ve caught the bug.”

Hamann had another reason to be happy last weekend. His younger brother Jim coached Prospect to the team title and Allison Walsh to the individual championship.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my brother,” said Jeff Hamann, whose father John coached both of the brothers at Willowbrook. “The really deserve everything.”