Rochelle senior intending to pursue bachelor's degree in business

Another member of the Rochelle Township High School golf program will be continuing his academics and athletics with Kishwaukee College next year. Senior Griffin Ohlinger intends to tee off for the Kougars after four successful seasons at RTHS, where he was an IHSA Sectional qualifier as a junior and an All-Conference First Team honoree in the Interstate 8 as a senior.

“I chose Kish because it was the right choice for me financially and athletically,” Ohlinger said. “I believe it will allow me to develop my academics as well as my athletics. I’m looking forward to competing at the next level because I think it will challenge me and help improve my game. 

Ohlinger will reunite with senior teammate Damen Harrington, who also signed with the Kishwaukee College men’s golf program. Ohlinger spent four years with the Rochelle Hub golf program, with all four years coming at the varsity level. The senior received consecutive All-Conference Honorable Mentions in the Interstate 8 over his sophomore and junior seasons.

“Playing golf at Rochelle has helped me tremendously because before high school, I had never played a tournament. Playing at Rochelle has given me more opportunities to compete and I’m looking forward to more of those opportunities at the next level. I believe my range off the tee has increased over the last four years and that’s given me more opportunities to succeed.”

Ohlinger averaged 41.3 strokes per nine holes during Interstate 8 Conference play this season, shooting low rounds of 39 against Kaneland, Plano and LaSalle-Peru. The senior fired a 3-over-par 73 to win the individual title in the large division at the Rocket Invitational. Ohlinger also finished fourth at the LaSalle-Peru Invitational with a 75, carding a 33 on his front nine. 

Ohlinger said he intends to begin his academics at Kishwaukee College before transferring to a four-year school, where he aims to earn a bachelor’s degree in business. Ohlinger was named the Rochelle Hub golf program’s Most Improved Player as a sophomore as well as the Most Valuable Player over his junior and senior seasons. A multi-sport athlete at RTHS, Ohlinger has played basketball and is currently competing for the Rochelle Hub track and field team.

“My abilities on the greens have helped me cut strokes off my score,” Ohlinger said. “My length off the tee is what I believe will help me the most at the next level because I will likely be playing longer courses, which means I will need longer shots off the tee.”