"(The weather) was awful, really tough," Carlson said. "It was windy, big gusts, and it was always below 45 degrees so the ball wouldn't go far. All in all, since it didn't rain, it wasn't too bad."

The Lions still couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces. They were competing at state as a team for the first time since 2004, and they finished sixth out of 10 teams with a two-day 638 (321-317) at The Den at Fox Creek in Bloomington.

Junior Kevin Workman tied for 17th with a 156 (79-77) on the par-72 course, only three shots from sharing 10th place and the final all-state spot.

Carlson tied for 35th with a 159 (82-77), followed by senior Tomas Venclovas at 164 (80-84) to tie for 58th, junior T.J. Silvey at 165 (84-81) to tie for 63rd, senior Austin Lusson at 166 (80-86) to tie for 70th and senior Kyle Mulcahy at 167 (85-82) to tie for 72nd. Mulcahy was the only player with state experience, having competed last year as an individual qualifier.

The Lions, three strokes from fifth-place Providence and nine from fourth-place Carmel, had their highest state finish since taking fifth in the 1947-48 season. The state meet was expanded from two to three classes in 2007.

"It was really terrific. They played, I thought, very well in some really tough weather conditions. It was a great way to top off a really nice season," said LT coach Mark Doyle, who seriously considered stepping down after last season.

"I'm going to give (coming back) some thought this week. I had a really great team. I'm really pleased I came back. Whatever I decide will be with my family in mind rather than the team. The team was terrific."

Workman typified the Lions' determination to reach state. He returned to action at the sectional after tearing his anterior cruciate knee ligament the day before the conference meet.

While grateful to compete at state, Workman knows he and the team could have done better. Workman will have knee surgery in November and expects to fully return to golf in April.

"Take away seven three-putts (Saturday), that gives me a 70 and that would have put me in the top five (4th place)," Workman said. "Mental errors kind of got to me. I'm a little upset, but 17th overall and with my knee hurting, I'm not too mad.

"I think it was more mental (than the knee). The thing I worried about were my irons and driver, and that was actually the best part of my game. I was just very happy to be down there with the team. I don't think I could go down there and watch."

Opponents could be watching the Lions next year. Besides their three state returnees, the Lions' sophomore team won their conference tournament to tie for the overall title with Hinsdale Central.

State boasted a tremendously talented field but also a veteran one. Twelve of the 16 players who finished higher than Workman were seniors.

"We're looking forward to next year because we know a lot of teams will be losing their seniors, like (three-time state champ) St. Viator, (second-place) New Trier, Hinsdale Central," said Carlson, a veteran of summer tournaments.

"(The IHSA state tournament is) probably up there with the Illinois Junior Amateur. It was probably one of the biggest because of its competitiveness. That was probably the hardest tournament I've played in."