CAHS golfers struggle with numbers
By Joseph Cyr
MARS HILL — The Central Aroostook golf squad had a Cinderella season a year ago, finishing 9-0 in the regular season and second at the Aroostook County championship.
But like Cinderella’s trip to the Prince’s ball, the clock may be striking midnight for the Panthers in 2010 as the team is now struggling to fill out a roster.
Staff photo/Kevin Sjoberg
TIGER JUNIOR Billy Weissman works the ball out of a sand trap during a regular season match at Aroostook Valley Country Club. Weissman has been his team’s No. 1 golfer this season.
“This has been a tough season so far,” coach Adam Metzler said. “We lost three golfers from last year, due to graduation, which left us with just two golfers. There has not been much interest in the lower grades so recruitment has been difficult.”
The two returning golfers, however, are solid as Kaine Kingsbury and Logan McLaughlin, both seniors at CAHS, are looking to build upon last season’s successes. Kingsbury qualified for the state individual tournament along with Will Delong, who graduated.
“Kaine is an all-around solid golfer and a guy anyone would want on their team,” Metzler said. “He loves to play and further his understanding of the sport any time he can.
“Logan is the other returning player who has really stepped up his game this year. He has improved his scoring by about five strokes from last year. If something is giving him trouble in his game he won’t stop until he gets it figured out. He also has a great sense of humor that keeps the mood of the team light.
The Panthers recently secured two more golfers — senior Sam Bennett and junior Landon Jackins. Bennett is a first-year golfer, who has only been playing for a couple of weeks, according to Metzler.
“For a first-time player, he has great coordination that has allowed him to catch on to the swing rather quickly,” the coach said. “I have high hopes that he will be a great help to the team this year.
“Landon has just begun playing in the last two weeks and is showing quick improvement. He is improving his swing each day and has a sharp mind to help him grasp the concepts needed to become a solid all-around golfer.”
With such a small group, coach Metzler is cautiously optimistic this season.
“This year is really a transition and building year for us,” he said. “We have had a tough time gaining new players, but with some great help from our administration it has laid the ground work for a solid future. We have allowed students in grades 7 and 8 to practice with the team for anyone that is interested and have gained three players already that show a bright future. It is going to be a fun and exciting rest of the season for us. With two first-year players on the team it makes each match a unique experience. We have great expectations this year and each day is a step closer to reaching those goals.”
