Green time key to sustained golf success at PIHS

16 years ago
By Meridith Paterson  
Staff Writer

    PRESQUE ISLE – Off-season dedication on the greens will aid the young Wildcats’ move into the top positions of the Presque Isle High School varsity golf team.

    Five of the top seven players from the undefeated 2007 team graduated in June, setting a high bar for the 2008 season. In ’07, Presque Isle was the top qualifier in the Penobscot Valley Conference tournament, and won the PVC Class B Championship.
    “We were anchored by a core group of well-dedicated seniors who had helped guide the team the last couple of season,” said third-year coach Jim York about past seasons. “This year will certainly be a test for the younger golfers who lack the experience of playing in matches, but I am not at all worried. We have a very talented group of golfers returning who may lack match experience, but make it up in the fact that they play all summer including tournaments and leagues. This also includes a skilled group of newcomers to the high school that will undoubtedly contribute to this year’s success.”
    Leading off for Wildcat golf in 2008 is senior Jon Humphrey who had an approximate average of 42 last year and was the top-scorer for PIHS in the state competition.
    “Jon has a smooth swing and good rhythm, and, as long as he maintains his confidence and smart management of the course, he will easily be one of our top golfers,” commented York.
    Sophomore Travis Dyer will also work for one of the top positions on the team after scoring in some of last year’s matches and continuing to practice on the course off-season. “He is very dedicated to the game of golf,” said York.
    Also getting as much time on the golf greens as possible during the off-season is sophomore Jordan Hallett. Hallett was one of the leading underclassmen in scoring in 2007.
    York looks to junior Keenan Eaton to be one of the team leaders for younger golfers this year. “Keenan has improved his game tremendously since his freshman year, and I anticipate a successful season for him,” said York.
    Freshman Evan Waddell joins the team after much preparation in the youth golf league and junior tournaments, and brings a competitive nature to the game.         Classmate Cody Merrill, although inexperienced at the high school level, also brings experience from the youth golf league. “Cody is composed and relaxed when he plays, and that is very important when playing at this level,” said York.
    Finishing off the projected starting lineup is returning sophomore Alex Tuttle, an avid learner who is always striving to improve his game.
    Also teeing off for PIHS this season are senior Justin Dyer; juniors Jason Martin and Alex Doody; sophomores James Bradley and Mike McPherson; and freshmen Matt Freeman, Nic Davis and Nate Sperrey.
    York has observed the players on the course over the summer, and sees great potential for a competitive season.
    “We will be young with only a few players with match experience, but Presque Isle has a reputation of developing strong golfers with a desire to improve and be competitive. I have worked with these kids for two and a half years and know from experience that they will fulfill their goals,” said York.
    Assisting in coaching the Wildcats this year is Dave Wheaton.

 

ImageStaff photo/Meridith Paterson
    PRESQUE ISLE HIGH SCHOOL GOLF – The 2008 Wildcats are, from the left in front, Nick Davis, Jon Humphrey, James Bradley, Mike McPherson, Cody Merrill, Nate Sperrey and Justin Dyer; and, in back, head coach Jim York, Jordan Hallett, Jason Martin, Travis Dyer, Keenan Eaton, Alex Tuttle, Alex Doody, Evan Waddell, Matt Freeman and assistant coach Dave Wheaton.