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Before even entering high school, Colin Proctor of Anderson has now added his name to the distinguished list of Diet Dr. Pepper Indiana Boys State Junior champions. "This is awesome. I'm only 15 so I still have 3 more years of this," he said. Proctor defeated Ryan Grassel of Chesterton 2 & 1 at Kampen GC. Grassel graduated from high school in June and will attend Sonoma State University in the fall.

Proctor's other junior championship win came at the 2009 Age Group Championship in the 14 year old division, a stroke play event. "I like match play better because I can go for everything," he explained. After 16 holes of going for everything, he was still only all square with Grassel. At the par-3 17th, Proctor went for the pin over the lake and stuck it close. His two-putt was good enough to move 1 up over Grassel, who could not convert an up and down to save par. Despite Grassel's effort to make a comeback by chipping to 2 feet, Proctor closed out the match by making par and remaining 1 up.

In the semifinals, Proctor defeated defending champion Ben-Marvin Egel of Kokomo. Prior to that he defeated Jonathan Bohnenkamp of Bedford 3 & 2, Louis Gleixner of Greenwood 5 & 3, Andrew Eiler of Rochester 4 & 3, and Matt Shultz of Wolcottville 4 & 3. "That was my only match that went to 18," said Proctor, but playing six rounds in three days is a test of patience and endurance for any player. Grassel defeated incoming eighth-grader Timmy Hildebrand of Carmel 4 & 3 to advance to the finals.

Next spring Proctor will join the Pendleton Heights HS golf team, where the 2010 Boys State Junior medalist, Jake Groninger, also attends high school. The duo should create a team to watch.

SEE FRIDAY'S ACTION RECAP HERE

MATCH PLAY BRACKET