Oct. 15--Nine months before the start of his senior season, Noah Fishbein was thrust into a unexpected leadership position.
Highland Park coach Scott Leibfried named Fishbein a captain at his team's awards night last November. Fishbein, then a junior, had to that point failed to advance past regionals, but Leibfried decided to put the responsibility of leading the team squarely on Fishbein's thin shoulders.
His plan also included an ulterior motive.
"We put Noah in a leadership role early, not only so he could focus on improving his golf game but improving his leadership skills," he said. "If you can be a leader, that alone puts pressure on you because guys are watching you and looking for you to lead and set the example. I told him his job starts then at the banquet ceremony.
"It helped put Noah in the right frame of mind coming into his senior year.."
Leibfried's plan worked. The latest evidence came at Monday's Class 3A Rockford East Sectional, where Fishbein won the individual title in a two-hole playoff against Prairie Ridge's Ethan Farnam after shooting a 3-under 69.
"It felt pretty happy to be under 70," Fishbein said. "I hit 70 three times this season. I was putting well all day and having a good time and hitting the ball well."
Almost a year after being named a captain, Fishbein admitted the early promotion caught him by surprise, especially after his early exit from the playoffs in his junior season.
"I was excited to be a captain and to lead the team," Fishbein said. "I knew I had to be mentally stronger right then."
Any doubts about Fishbein's expanded role were quickly answered. He helped organize a 6:45 a.m. team workout session in the winter, along with a twice-a-week after-school sessions.
Leibfried's next test came on Aug. 29 at Bittersweet Golf Club, the same course where Fishbein's junior season abruptly ended.
Fishbein displayed an improved game, mentally and physically, by carding a 2-under 70 to win the Warren Invitational, amid windy conditions on the back nine.
"I knew that was going to be a telltale moment for him," Leibfried said. "When he basically conquered the course, the same one he didn't succeed on last year, I knew he was laser-focused."
Fishbein's slight stature -- 5-foot-8 and 136 pounds -- never stopped him from carrying the Giants this season. On Oct. 6, Fishbein placed second with a 2-under 70 to lead Highland Park to the team title at the Buffalo Grove Regional. The Giants shot a team-record 293.
"I worked hard in the winter and summer, and I've been thinking about getting downstate," Fishbein said. "It's my dream to be in contention. My game plan this weekend is to play simple golf, just focus on each shot and hit the middle of the fairways."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Class 3A boys golf state tournament
When: Friday-Saturday.
Where: The Den at Fox Creek, Bloomington.
Defending champion: Hinsdale Central.
Defending medalist: Kenneth Li, Hinsdale Central sr.
Others to watch: Brendan O'Reilly, Hinsdale Central jr. (3rd place in 2014); Timothy Lim, Barrington jr. (T-6th); Ricky Costello, Providence jr. (T-6th); Andrew Huber, New Trier sr. (T-6th); Will Gunst, York sr.; Noah Fishbein, Highland Park sr; Ethan Farnam, Prairie Ridge jr.
Class 2A tournament: At Weibring Golf Club, Normal. Defending champion: Morton (Ill.). Defending medalist: Tommy Kuhl, Morton (Ill.) so.
Class 1A tournament: At Prairie Vista Golf Course, Bloomington. Defending champion: El Paso-Gridley. Top returning finisher: Tyler Wall, Nashville sr. (T-5th).
