November 18, 2003

Northern Illinois Men's Golf Inks Two Prep Standouts For 2004-05

DeKalb, IL -- Northern Illinois University men's golf head coach John Cleary announced the signing of two all-state performers to letters of intent on Tuesday (Nov. 18), as Zach Jecklin (Bloomington, IL/Bloomington) and Jared Steger (Winnetka, IL/ New Trier) signed to play golf for the Huskies in the 2004-05 season.

"I am really pleased with the quality of golfers we were able to add to our program," head coach John Cleary said. "Both Zach and Jared are tremendously hard workers and will add to this program. Adding two players like Zach and Jared speaks a lot for the direction this program is headed. I know they will help this program get to where we want to go."

An all-state selection this season as a senior, Jecklin led Bloomington High School to a third-place finish at the 2003 IHSA State Championships enroute to a 12th-place individual finish at the state summit. The 2003 regional and sectional champion, Jecklin burst onto the scene during the summer, as he finished 10th at the IJGA State Junior Amateur. A 2002 qualifier for the United States Golf Association's Junior Amateur, Jecklin was a 2002 quarterfinalist at the Chick Evans Junior Amateur. Jecklin also competed at the American Junior Golf Association's Midwestern Junior Player's Championship, where he finished tied for 18th.

"Zach is an accomplished player," Cleary said. "He's played in a lot of events and playing in the 2002 U.S. Junior Amateur was a big step for him. He's use to having success and that will help our program."

Also an all-state pick this season, Steger led New Trier High School to the IHSA Class AA state title, as he tied for sixth individually with rounds of 72-78-150. The top finisher for the state champions, Steger claimed the Palatine sectional crown with a 3-over-par 75 and earned all-region honors with another 3-over-par 75. Steger also competed in a pair of AJGA events over the summer including the Midwestern Junior Player's Championship, where he was tied for 11th after 36 holes.

"Jared came on strong this season," Cleary said. "He had a good fall and played well at the state championships. He is also used to winning. I am really excited to have these join two players our program."

Northern Illinois returns to action on March 1-2 at the Tri-State Classic in Martin, TN.

Contact: David Reiter (815) 753-3706