February 1, 2009
BOYS GOLF
Injury doesn't slow down Otto's drive
BLOOMINGTON, Ill - Some golfers go to the state finals to win. Travis Otto simply is grateful he can compete.
The Wheaton North senior and son of Cubs broadcaster Dave Otto suffered a torn ACL during play in a summer basketball camp and had surgery on his right knee July 10.
The 6-foot 5-inch Otto realized he wouldn't be able to play basketball for the Falcons this season. But he was getting an itch to golf. As a junior, he had missed qualifying for state by one stroke.
"About two months after surgery, I felt pretty good," he said. "So we called the doctor, and he gave us the OK."
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There was still one problem: Walking 18 holes would put a strain on his right knee. High school golfers are not allowed to use golf carts. The IHSA, however, granted Otto a waiver so he could ride.
In Friday's first round of the Class 3A finals, with his dad in attendance, Otto shot a 7-over 79 at The Den at Fox Creek.
"I played OK, struggled a bit off the tee," said Otto, who said his knee—in a brace—didn't bother him at all. "Senior year, just making it down here, it feels pretty good considering I didn't think I would play."
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