Oakton Golf Team Named 2025 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Co-Champions

Des Plaines, Ill. (Oct. 6,  2025) — Oakton College's men's golf team has once again proven its dominance, earning the title of 2025 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) co-champions alongside Elgin Community College. 

This marks the second time in program history that the men's golf team has secured three consecutive conference titles. This season, the team earned three top finishes in ISCC play. Oakton head coach Louis Walker was named the 2025 ISCC Co-Coach of the Year, alongside Egin's Rick Olson. This year's recognition marks Walker's third consecutive ISCC Coach of the Year honor.

"This season was a real test," Walker reflected. "The conference was tougher than ever, with many schools improving their programs. When you're the team being hunted instead of the one doing the hunting, it's a different challenge. I'm proud of how our players rose to the occasion. Their ability to stay on top demonstrated growing maturity and resilience."

Oakton's impressive showing was fueled by a strong group of freshmen, four of whom earned spots on the 2025 ISCC All-Conference Team (top 10 golfers):

• No. 3, Matthew Christopolous, 74.75 average (New Trier High School)

• No. 4, Jiro Yamat, 75.25 average (Maine East High School)

• No. 5, Matthew Halupka, 75.5 average (Notre Dame College Prep)

• No. 7,  Gianni Spallone, 77.0 average (Maine South High School)

"This team is all freshmen, just like our previous group that stayed together for two years and developed into champions," said Walker. "If they continue to grow physically and in maturity, I believe they can be just as good, if not better."

Being part of this championship team has been a rewarding experience for Yamat, a first-year player.

"As a team, I'd say we did pretty well," said Yamat. "We had a lot of good bonding experiences over the short season, and that's what got us to this point. Individually, I know there's room for improvement, but for my first year, I'm happy with where I ended up."

Yamat, who chose Oakton to stay close to home and play on familiar courses, praised the program's environment.

"The coach is great, and the players are a lot of fun," said Yamat. "We've had some great experiences together, from van rides to winning a tournament. It was a really fun fall season, and I can't wait for spring."

With the fall season complete, the Owls will regroup in March to begin their spring campaign. 

"Hopefully, we can make a regional run and even qualify for nationals as a team," said Yamat. 

Oakton has consistently produced top-ranked golfers, with student-athletes earning regional recognition and competing in national tournaments over the past several years. To learn more about Oakton's Golf program, visit oakton-owls.com.