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2008 All-MVAL Golf
Chesapeake Conference
First Team
Jimmy Harbaugh Westminster
Cody Mewhirter North Carroll
Jamey Hewatt Urbana
Bryan Johnson North Carroll
Stephen Washabaugh Linganore
Matt Cheyne North Carroll
Michael Coppa North Carroll
Brandon Copeland Westminster
Ryan Johnson Linganore
Second Team
Greg Ruby Westminster
Andrew Foote Tuscarora
Chris DiSciullo Urbana
Sam Tyrer Linganore
Kyler Rose Urbana
Jimmy Eckard Linganore
Bryan Munshaur Westminster
Brian Whitestone Urbana
Kyle Carpenter Thomas Johnson
Honorable Mention
Dan Logsdon North Carroll
Cole Barger Tuscarora
Alex Keller Thomas Johnson
D. J. Ansbro Thomas Johnson
Kyle Zelesnick North Carroll
Matt Cowles Linganore
Jamie DiSciullo Urbana
Carlton Boujai Tuscarora
Daniel Mositti Thomas Johnson
Piedmont Conference
First Team
Alex Hoffman Middletown
Chase Main Middletown
Garrett Nicely Middletown
Andrew Medovich Walkersville
Brett Bidle Middletown
Joel Kutchey Walkersville
Ben Martinez Walkersville
Conner Spessard North Hagerstown
Ryan Wivell North Hagerstown
Second Team
Brian Cohen Frederick
Kyle Walters North Hagerstown
Peter Denney Frederick
Joey Miller South Hagerstown
Josh Mentzer North Hagerstown
Alex Maymon Walkersville
Ryan Norville Walkersville
Becky Gossard North Hagerstown
Jimmy Blumenauer Middletown
Honorable Mention
Matt Rummell South Hagerstown
Charlie Hall Middletown
Bobby Asper South Hagerstown
Lance Crampton South Hagerstown
Luke Shindle South Hagerstown
Zach Senn Walkersville
Drew Kline Frederick
Andrew Voorhis Walkersville
Grant Chaney Middletown
Blue Ridge Conference
First Team
Mike Moon Liberty
Nick Barrett Liberty
Lucas Grace Century
Tyler Bowie Winters Mill
Mike Hill Century
Cameren Warrell Century
Billy Ham Liberty
Joe Cuff Liberty
David Porter Winters Mill
Second Team
Justin Knight South Carroll
Troy Brandt Century
Garrett Fogle Winters Mill
Jason Skursky Liberty
Jon Ebberts Francis Scott Key
Andrew Bowie Winters Mill
Justin Stankewicz South Carroll
Brandon Lesniak Winters Mill
Derek Jackson Century
Ben Wolf Winters Mill
Honorable Mention
Phil Holmes Francis Scott Key
Colin Foreman Francis Scott Key
Brigham Cook Francis Scott Key
Byron Hogg Francis Scott Key
Carley Stenger Century
Jimmy Young Liberty
Jimmy Horn South Carroll
Greg Hewitt South Carroll
Josh Wells Century
Finn Dahl South Carroll
Antietam Conference
First Team
Chris Bushey Smithsburg
Hauen Lee Smithsburg
T.J. Socks Clear Spring
Zach Weber Williamsport
Mike Veverka Brunswick
Garrett Ellis Catoctin
Tyler Thompson Boonsboro
Luke Hoffman Boonsboro
A.J. Minnich Smithsburg
Second Team
Tyler Miller Catoctin
Jordan Thurber Clear Spring
Adam Lipella Clear Spring
Bo Phillips Smithsburg
Christian Yanoski Catoctin
Jared Fahnestock Catoctin
Scot Drury Williamsport
Troy Hartle Boonsboro
Tyler Brown Clear Spring
Honorable Mention
Brandon Grimm Clear Spring
Marcus Peterson Williamsport
Chris Karr Williamsport
Brendan Harris Brunswick
Joey Demartino Boonsboro
Elijah Hudlow Boonsboro
Kenny Kober Catoctin
Jeremy Hardy Boonsboro
Brian Lesher Clear Spring
Leopards fall out of state golf team title chase
By TIM KOELBLE
WALDORF, Md. - The Smithsburg golf team's main goal was to be successful as one.
Today, that success will have to be as two. A pair of Leopards will be competing for individual titles after Smithsburg failed to advance as a team in the Maryland 1A/2A state tournament on Wednesday at Potomac Ridge Golf Club.
Smithsburg missed the cut, shooting 363 to finish fourth in the six-team field and finish well behind the top three of North Point (330), Glenelg (348) and Easton (352).
Chris Bushey and Haeun Lee each carded 81s on the sunny, blustery day but the Leopards couldn't make up any ground as A.J. Minnich posted a 100 and Bo Phillips shot a 101.
"We strived to reach our No.1 goal as a team and that's all we talked about," said Smithsburg coach Dan Neff. "We knew we'd have to be around 350 and that the chances would be difficult with a lack of experience in the state and the conditions."
Lee was the only player with postseason experience, but she, too, fell prey to the elements and a balky putter that put 37 strokes on her scorecard.
Playing the girls' yardage at just under 5,000 yards, the wind made club selection difficult and also made for very dry and fast greens.
"The greens were the fastest I played all year and the wind made one or two clubs different in what to use," said Lee.
Lee's hiccups came mostly on a pair of par-5s with double bogeys that led to a 40-41 card.
Bushey also needed 37 putts over the 6,280-yard boys' layout to shoot 39-42.
"I had eight putts lip out from inside six feet," said Bushey. "The wind affected some and you had to club up or down, but most of it was a crosswind."
Momentum was on the side of the Leopards heading into the state tournament after winning in the Washington County and Antietam Conference titles.
"We just weren't ready to play as a team," said Neff. "Chris and Lee just didn't finish off putts and I just think our overall inexperience showed today."
Bushey and Lee were both on the putting green after their rounds while the final first-round scores were posted.
"It happens," said Bushey of Smithsburg missing the team cut.
But today looms as another day as individuals as those Class 1A/2A and 3A/4A players survived the survival round. It includes all but one member of the Washington County contingent.
Joining Bushey and Lee will be Williamsport's Zach Weber (46-44-90), Clear Spring's T.J. Socks (46-45-91) and North Hagerstown's Becky Gossard (48-45-93).
North Hagerstown's Kyle Walters missed the cut with a 96.
LaPlata's Jay Dove leads the boys' division after shooting a 4-over-par 75 in 3A/4A on Tuesday. Anne Arundel's Lauren Smith shot a 78 to lead the girls.
"Oh my!" said Weber of his round. "I just didn't play very good, but I'll make it better (today)."
Weber's card included a 10 on the 495-yard, par-5 seventh hole, which was also the downfall for Socks and Gossard as each carded double bogeys.
"I was a little nervous," said Socks, playing in his first state event. "The greens were fast and dried out. I'll come back and shoot in the 80s."
Today's finals is a shotgun round, begining at 9 a.m., to crown the overall boys and girls champions, along with the 1A/2A and 3A/4A team champions.
2007 All-MVAL Golf
Chesapeake Conference
First Team
MICHAEL COPPA NCHS
BRYAN JOHNSON NCHS
JIMMY HARBAUGH WHS
ANDREW SURETTE THS
TRAVIS BARTGIS GTJHS
JOSH FOSTER LHS
BEN RASMUSSEN WHS
JAMEY HEWATT UHS
CODY MEWHIRTER NCHS
Second Team
SPENCER GIFFORD WHS
TRAVIS MEWHIRTER NCHS
AJ THORESON LHS
MATT CHEYNE NCHS
JASON WAGNER LHS
JIMMY ECKARD LHS
MIKEY LEIZEAR THS
IAN HAHN GTJHS
NIC JARBOE WHS
Honorable Mention
RYAN JOHNSON LHS
ANDREW FOOTE THS
BRIAN WHITESTONE UHS
KYLE CARPENTER GTJHS
COLE BARGER THS
Piedmont Conference
First Team
Alex Hoffman Middletown
Kevin Shutta Walkersville
Alden Tuck Walkersville
Brian Hesen Walkersville
Robby Suddith South Hagerstown
Chad Benford Walkersville
Sam Conrad Walkersville
Andrew Mueller South Hagerstown
Tyler Fairley North Hagerstown
Second Team
Nate Zimnik Frederick
Adam Sullivan Middletown
Corianne King Middletown
Brett Bidle Middletown
Beau Smith Frederick
Becky Gossard North Hagerstown
Josh Winn Walkersville
Jimmy Hill North Hagerstown
Joey Miller South Hagerstown
Honorable Mention
Chase Main Middletown
Bobby Asper South Hagerstown
Chris Fossett Frederick
Conner Spessard North Hagerstown
Garrett Nicely Middletown
Blue Ridge Conference
First Team
Jordan Phillips South Carroll
Andrew Stenger Century
John Rosecrans Liberty
Brian Anderson Winters Mill
Mike Hill Century
Zach Slifer South Carroll
Tyler Bush Liberty
Tyler Bowie Winters Mill
Mike Moon Liberty
Second Team
Kevin Wantz FSK
Devon Lesniak Winters Mill
Jon Ebberts FSK
Austin Bush Liberty
Andrew Bowie Winters Mill
Justin Catlin Liberty
Frank Cinquegrani Liberty
Ryan Parker South Carroll
Cameren Warrell Century
Honorable Mention
Mike Burgoyne Century
Mike Reuschling Winters Mill
Josh Wells Century
Ryan Miller FSK
Mike Bergamaschi Century
Vince Frasco South Carroll
Phil Holmes FSK
David Porter Winters Mill
Byron Hogg FSK
Antietam Conference
First Team
Hauen Lee Smithsburg
Andrew Duff Williamsport
Dustin Starliper Williamsport
Garrett Ellis Catoctin
Chris Bushey Smithsburg
Joey Demartino Boonsboro
A.J. Minnich Smithsburg
Evan Linton Catoctin
Brandon Keefer Smithsburg
Mike Veverka Brunswick
Second Team
Zach Weber Williamsport
TJ Socks Clear Spring
Justin Bonnie Catoctin
Tyler Thompson Boonsboro
Josh Cline Williamsport
Brian Lesher Clear Spring
Brandon Grimm Clear Spring
Adam Lipella Clear Spring
Tyler Brown Clear Spring
Honorable Mention
Elijah Hudlow Boonsboro
Troy Hartle Boonsboro
Paul Stavrakas Smithsburg
Tyler Miller Catoctin
Luke Hoffman Boonsboro
Brendan Harris Brunswick
Chris Karr Williamsport
Nathan Golden Clear Spring
Luke Kaler Brunswick
2006 All-MVAL
Antietam Conference
First Team
Steve Hutzell North Hagerstown
Andrew Duff Williamsport
Alicia Grier Smithsburg
Andy Alger Brunswick
Caleb Hudlow Boonsboro
Robbie Suddit South Carroll
Evan Chaney Brunswick
Sean Henson Smithsburg
Kyle Butler Williamsport
Second Team
AJ Minnich Smithsburg
Eric Wilfong Williamsport
Brandon Keefer Smithsburg
Evan Linton Catoctin
Adam Yost North Hagerstown
Brendon Benisek Williamsport
Tyler Fairley North Carroll
Andrew Goss Catoctin
Dustin Starliper Williamsport
Honorable Mention
Troy Hartle Boonsboro
TJ Socks Clear Spring
Jimmy Hill North Hagerstown
Justin Bonnie Catoctin
Chaz Wagner Brunswick
Carl Spessard North Hagerstown
Ryan Williard Boonsboro
Paul Stavrakas Smithsburg
Chris Bushey Smithsburg
Mike Veverka Brunswick
Chesapeake Conference
First Team
Spencer Gifford Westminster
Michael Coppa North Carroll
Brian Rampolla North Carroll
Andrew Stenger Century
Paul Riuli Thomas Johnson
Bryan Johnson North Carroll
Jimmy Harbaugh Westminster
Jamey Hewatt Urbana
AJ Thoreson Linganore
Second Team
Luke Shaffer Century
Travis Mewhirter North Carroll
Aaron Prescott Linganore
Mark Jones North Carroll
Andrew Surette Tuscarora
Montgomery Smith Thomas Johnson
Josh Foster Linganore
Danny Pfister Urbana
Mikey Leizer Tuscarora
Honorable Mention
Megan McFeeley Westminster
Matt Cheyne North Carroll
Travis Bartgis Thomas Johnson
Dan Williamson Thomas Johnson
Nick Bill Thomas Johnson
Mike Hill Century
Ryan Johnson Linganore
Billy Griffin Linganore
Dan Strube Urbana
Piedmont Conference
First Team
Nick Keefer Walkersville
Tyler Ausherman Middletown
Alex Hoffman Middletown
Lewis Schnauble Winters Mill
John Rosecrans Liberty
Josh Winn Walkersville
Chad Benford Walkersville
Brian Anderson Winters Mill
Devin Cross Francis Scott Key
Second Team
Kevin Shutta Walkersville
Devon Lesniak Winters Mill
Alden Tuck Walkersville
Justin Catlin Liberty
Dan Ayres Winters Mill
Jordan Phillips South Carroll
Tyler Bush Liberty
John Dittig Frederick
Zach Slifer South Carroll
Alger, Walkersville reign supreme in county tourney
By Ian Quillen, The Gazette Staff Writer
Brunswick’s Andy Alger had never played a better competitive round than he did at the Frederick County High School golf championships Wednesday.
Still, it took two extra holes to win the darn thing.
Alger’s 1-under 71 at the Clustered Spires Golf Club was only enough to force a playoff with Middletown’s Tyler Ausherman
There, they played two holes of pressure-packed match play, complete with a trailing gallery of spectators that made it feel like the final group at the Masters.
‘‘I just tried not to look back,” Alger said of the atmosphere. ‘‘But once I sat over the ball, it was so quiet that it was like I was playing by myself.
The pair matched birdies on the first hole before, Alger salvaged par on the Par-3 second with a perfect up-and-down from the short rough. Ausherman, meanwhile, pulled his tee-shot into the bunker, chipped from there over the green into the far rough, and then missed a bogey put, making Alger’s title-winning 2-footer a mere formality.
‘‘All I can say is that it couldn’t happen to a nicer kid,” said Brunswick golf coach Bill Croal. ‘‘All the hard work, all the lessons, all the effort and the dedication—all the things you expect in a young person—he typifies it.”
Yet, Alger said he knew it was coming all along. After the disappointment of not qualifying for the state tournament at The Class 2A⁄1A District I last week, he even predicted he would win the event. And after a practice round two days ago, he only felt more confident.
‘‘I came out Monday and played very good here,” Alger said. ‘‘I knew then that today was going to be great.”
Alger also had one advantage—playing two groups behind Ausherman. There, he could keep track of his long-driving opponent, who hovered around 2-under-Par for most of the morning.
But as the pair approached the clubhouse, Ausherman double-bogeyed No. 16, while Alger strung birdies together on the 14th and 15th. Had it not been for Ausherman’s 20-foot birdie put on the 18th hole, Alger would’ve won the tourney outright.
Still, Ausherman felt comfortable in the clubhouse.
‘‘I thought I was good to go. Then he came in the third or fourth group and I heard he’d shot a 71, and I said ‘Oh, OK.’”
It was a sinking deja-vu feeling for Ausherman, who two years ago lost the same tournament on an eerily similar playoff. That year, he also lost on the second hole of the playoff, after claiming a birdie on the first.
‘‘As soon as we both made those first puts, I was thinking, ‘Oh great, this could be fun,’” Ausherman said. ‘‘I’ve never won this, and my goal this year was to win counties or districts. But I still have states, and maybe I can do something there. You never know what can happen.”
Meanwhile, on a wild afternoon, the one consistent was Walkersville, which won its fourth consecutive team title with a four-player combined score of 299. Senior Nick Keefer led the Lions with an even par 72 to take third place overall. Kevin Shutta finished in a three-way tie for fourth with a 1-over 73, Josh Winn tied for ninth with Linganore’s Aaron Prescott with a 3-over 75, and Chad Benford rounded out the Lions’ top four with a 79.
Walkersville head coach George Baltic credited his third and fourth golfers for the win.
‘‘Each team’s top player or two is pretty good,” Baltic said. ‘‘As you get deeper into the line-up, that is what makes the difference. If you can put four solid scores out there, you can win this thing.”
Linganore’s A.J. Thoreson and Middletown’s Alex Hoffman were the two players tying Shutta at 73.
In team play, Thomas Johnson and Linganore tied for second at 305, followed by Middletown at 306 and Tuscarora at 316.
2005 Fall All-MVAL Teams
Golf
Antietam Conference
Brandon Sheaffer Smithsburg
Alicia Grier Smithsburg
Steve Hutzell North Hagerstown
Andrew Duff Williamsport
Robbie Suddith South Hagerstown
Brian Poole Boonsboro
Logan Hintze Williamsport
Andy Alger Brunswick
Adam Delauter Catoctin
Chesapeake Conference
Mary Mattson Urbana
Tim Evelius Westminster
Michael Coppa North Carroll
Andrew Stenger Century
Kyle Nicholson Century
Kurt Stegle Tuscarora
Paul Riuli Thomas Johnson
Brian Rampolla North Carroll
Luke Schaffer Century
Piedmont Conference
Josh Williford Walkersville
Michael Jaquith Walkersville
Kevin Pugh Liberty
Tyler Ausherman Middletown
Dan Ayres Winters Mill
Lewis Schnauble Winters Mill
Kristen Waeber Middletown
Pete Mangano Liberty
Josh Muskin Francis Scott Key
_____________________________________________________________________
10/25/05
Westminster, North Carroll players qualify for state final round
Westminster seniors Steve Krider and Tim Evelius and North Carroll freshman Michael Coppa all played well enough Monday during the first day of the Class 4A-3A state high school golf tournament to qualify for Wednesday's final round.
Krider and Coppa both shot 78 at the 6,308-yard, par-71 University of Maryland Golf Course. They were tied for 20th, six shots off the lead. Evelius carded an 80.
Westminster coach Jeff Ibex, who is retiring at season's end, was pleased with how his players are finishing their careers while North Carroll coach Bill McDonald couldn't stop thinking about the future.
"That's the best Steve's played in a couple of weeks," Ibex said. "It's nice to see them [both] play well. It's a culmination of what I thought was a good season."
North Carroll had qualified as a team, but did not advance after ranking eighth with a four-player total of 337. Churchill is in first place at 306.
"We just keep progressing," McDonald said. "Looking a few years down the road, we're going to be right there with Churchill."
If so, Coppa is likely to be a major reason. He shot 78 on a cool, windy day that included a number of three-putts.
"The greens were running well and they're elevated greens, so if you get behind the flag you're in trouble," McDonald said. "For a 14-year old freshman, the first time around to shoot 78, he should be happy with that."
Another NC freshman, Brian Rampolla, missed the cut by two strokes after shooting 83. NC seniors Chris Fiorino and Zach Forbes both shot 88.
Westminster freshman Spencer Gifford, who tied for the low score last week in the county meet, shot 90.
Westminster junior Megan McFeeley shot 97 to miss the girls' cut by seven strokes. Owls senior Meredith Rodgers carded a 112.
The first day of the Class 2A-1A tournament is slated for today. Century's team and one individual each from Francis Scott Key and Winters Mill have qualified.
Team scores
1. Churchill; 2. Northern 312; 3. LaPlata 319; 4. Whitman 323; 5. Bowie 325; 6. Severna Park, Roosevelt 327; 8. North Carroll 337; 9. Dulaney 346; 10. River Hill 354; 11. Fallston 355.
Walkersville, Jacquith win county title
By Bill Cauley, Frederick News-Post Staff
Walkersville's Michael Jacquith could not believe what he had just done. It all seemed like a blur to him.
"I don't remember where my birdies were," Jacquith said on Wednesday at Clustered Spires Golf Course after finishing his round in the Frederick County Public Schools Golf Tournament. "I'm still in a state of shock."
While what he did in his round may not have seemed all that clear to him, what was posted on the main scoreboard was vivid.
Jacquith shot a 4-under-par 68 to take the individual boys county championship, marking his best effort ever in a round of golf. His previous career best was 71.
For Jacquith and the Lions, the picture was even clearer when the final team score was posted. Walkersville wrapped up its fourth straight county championship and the right to hang on to the Hal Moser Trophy for another year.
The Lions shot a team total of 294 for the county team championship. Middletown and Tuscarora tied for second (302) and Urbana finished fourth at 312.
Urbana's Mary Mattson repeated her girls individual championship, shooting a 1-under-par 71.
With Jacquith leading the way at 68, Walkersville received good supporting scores from Josh Williford (71), Nick Keefer (76) and Chad Benford (79). The top four scores off each six-player team count toward the team score.
"There was some great golf out there today," Walkersville coach George Baltic said. "The course played kindly and there were a lot of low scores out there."
In challenging Walkersville for the county championship, the Knights and Titans also posted some key, low scores. For Middletown, Tony Chakalis finished three shots off the pace behind Jacquith with a 71. Tyler Ausherman carded a 73, with Kristen Waeber shooting a 76 and Blaine Bidle rounded out the Knights scorers with an 82.
"It was amazing," Middletown coach Mike Fox said. "We had just tied Walkersville on Monday in a regular-season match, which was just unbelievable."
For Tuscarora, Bryant Khoo finished as
his team's top scorer and seventh overall at 72, followed by Kurt Stegle (76), Mikey Leizear and Andrew Surette (77).
Mattson scored a five-shot win over Waeber. Both are the county girls' representatives to the state golf tournament, which begins in two weeks at University of Maryland's golf course in College Park.
"The course was set up to score low," Mattson said. "I would have liked to have scored lower, but I had some problems."
The problems were bogeys. Mattson bogeyed the first two holes and double-bogeyed No. 16. "I had been 3-under-par up to that point, but when I hit No. 16 that's where I lost two strokes," Mattson said.
But not even those setbacks kept Mattson from enjoying an otherwise impressive round. "It was a quick round -- less than four hours," she said. "We were on a good pace."
Linganore was fifth in the team standings (315), led by Aaron Prescott and Josh Foster (78). Catoctin, which finished tied with Thomas Johnson for sixth (322), was led by Graham North (78). TJ's Ryan Toomey shot a 78.
Brunswick and Frederick were tied for eighth (330). Andy Alger shot a 77 for the Railroaders and John Dittig shot an 82 for the Cadets.
Urbana's Mary Mattson. Photo by Frederick News Post.
Urbana's Mattson qualifies for third state tournament
By Bill Cauley, Frederick News-Post Staff
WESTMINSTER -- Mary Mattson is going to the state tournament for the third straight season.
The Urbana senior golfer shot a 78 to win the girls division of the District 1 4A-3A championship at Wakefield Valley Golf & Conference Center.
Mattson's 78 was 15 shots better than Westminster's Megan McFeeley, the district runner-up. The score allowed Mattson to qualify for her third straight state championship, which will be held beginning Monday, Oct. 24, at the University of Maryland's golf course in College Park.
"It was a decent round, but I think I left a few strokes out there today," said Mattson, who has a sub-40's average for nine holes. "I had quite a few 3-putts, more than I wanted to, today. But it was still a win."
Mattson was one of two county 4A-3A golfers to qualify for the state championships on Monday. Tuscarora's Andrew Surette became the school's first-ever state qualifier in golf, shooting an 82 to qualify as an individual.
North Carroll took the district 4A-3A crown, shooting a 324. Just one team out of the six-team field qualifies for states, provided it meets the qualifying team score of 340.
Monday's golfers found a challenging course at Wakefield Valley. The challenge came from winds gusting up to as much as 20-25 mph, which played havoc with some golfers' scores, including Mattson's.
"The wind was tough out there today," Mattson said. "For the most part, it was in your face all day. That made it tough on all of the golfers."
Mattson was able to salvage two birdies out of her round, but she had to content with two bogeys and a pair of double-bogeys, which kept her from posting a lower score.
"In that sense, it was a disappointment," Mattson said. "But I'm still glad I'm going to states again."
For Surette, making the state championships was a big accomplishment. But he agreed with Mattson playing against the elements proved to be a challenge.
"There was tough hitting out there today," said Surette, who was able to pick up one birdie. "My best drive was a 300-yarder off the tee on No. 4," he said. "My worst putt was a short, 4-footer, which missed for an easy par."
Thomas Johnson, which finished fifth in the team standings (365), was led by Paul Riuli, who carded an 84. He tied with Westminster's Spencer Gifford for the final individual qualifying spot but lost to Gifford in a playoff.
Westminster finished second in the team standings (343) with Urbana third (353), Tuscarora fourth (357) and Linganore sixth (376). Linganore's Aaron Prescott shot an 85.
NOTES -- The remaining county public high schools compete in the District I 2A-1A tournament at 9 a.m. today at Black Rock Golf Course in Hagerstown.
North Carroll up again after title
By Patrick Stoetzer, Carroll Cotuny Times Staff Writer
North Carroll's golf team won its first four matches of the season, then lost to county rival Century, then strung together a pair of county wins before losing a tri-match.
That's an up-and-down year if there ever was one.
Monday's Class 4A-3A District I championship at Wakefield Valley brought the Panthers back up.
Freshman Mike Coppa shot a 4-over par 76 to lead the way - and earn medalist honors - as NC's foursome totaled 324 and won the district title, qualifying for the state tournament.
Senior Zach Forbes took second with a 79, senior Chris Fiorino followed with an 81 and freshman Brian Rampolla fired an 88.
Westminster's Tim Evelius (83), Steve Krider (83), Spencer Gifford (84) and Megan McFeeley (93) were the county individuals who advanced to the state tourney, but North Carroll was the lone 4A-3A team out of six to make it.
"We've had a rocky kind of road so far," said Forbes, who lined up two eagle attempts and finished with two birdies Monday. "We're just starting to pull back together as a team."
They picked a good time to do it.
Coppa rebounded from a 45 he carded at last week's tri-match (at Bear Creek against Winters Mill and Walkersville), even though he opened Monday's 18-hole round with a double-bogey.
Coppa said he played some of Wakefield's nine-hole white and gold courses over the weekend to prepare for the district championship.
Coppa collected a pair of birdies along the way and said playing in the first group of golfers gave him a little motivation.
Forbes, who will make his second trip in a row to the state tourney at University of Maryland, said having Coppa on his side is a bonus.
"He's stellar. He's always there for us," Forbes said. "He's our go-to guy."
The Panthers got another boost from Fiorino, who wasn't even supposed to play Monday but replaced junior Nick Rampolla at the last minute. Fiorino placed third overall as North Carroll navigated the Wakefield course under windy conditions.
Westminster finished second, 19 shots behind NC, but did not advance to the state tourney because only the top one-eighth of each classification's teams move on.
The Panthers have five regular-season matches remaining - not counting the county tournament Oct. 15 at Bear Creek - and plenty of time to work on their games until making the trip to College Park.
Coppa said the team has a rather straightforward goal as the prep season winds down.
"Just play good at states," he said, "and try to win it."
North Carroll (324): Mike Coppa 76, Zach Forbes 79, Chris Fiorino 81, Brian Rampolla 88.
Westminster (343): Tim Evelius 83, Steve Krider 83, Spencer Gifford 84, Nic Jarboe 93, Megan McFeeley 93.
Urbana (353): Mattson 78, Pfister 85, Fritsch 94, Doll 96.
Tuscarora (357): Surette 82, Khoo 86, Malagari 93, Stegle 96.
Thomas Johnson (365): Riuli 84, Toomey 87, Smith 95, Hahn 99.
Linganore (376): Prescott 85, Wagner 88, Thoreson 96, Foster 107.
Averages (nine holes)
Name, School Avg.
Michael Jaquith, Walkersville 39.4
Tyler Ausherman, Middletown 40.6
Montgomery Smith, TJ 40.8
Josh Williford, Walkersville 41.0
Andrew Barber, Frederick 41.4
Adam Delauter, Catoctin 41.8
Nick Keefer, Walkersville 42.0
Josh Winn, Walkersville 42.1
Zach Olsen, Catoctin 42.3
Chad Benford, Walkersville 42.5
Kevin Shutta, Walkersville 42.5
Tyler Aldridge, Frederick 42.6
Kristen Waeber, Middletown 43.0
Graham North, Catoctin 43.0
Ryan Toomey, TJ 43.2
James Alehsejus,Middletown 43.8
9/22/05
Walkersville 164, Winters Mill 166, North Carroll 168
At Bear Creek par 36. Walkersville 164 Josh Williford 40, Josh Winn 41, Chad Benford 41, Brian Hesen 42. Winters Mill 166 Lewis Schnauble 41, Brian Anderson 41, Matt Deane 42, Corey Haines 42. North Carroll 168 Brian Rampolla 39, Bryan Johnson 40, Zack Forbes 44, Mike Coppa 45.
9/21/05
Middletown 171, Boonsboro 184
Middletown---Kristen Waeber shot a 41 for Middletown (6-3) at Hollow Creek Golf Club.
Smithsburg golf coach Dan Neff, taking practice swings in his home in Boonsboro, will serve as an assistant at the Presidents Cup beginning Thursday. (Photo credit: by Joe Crocetta / Staff Photographer)
Smithsburg coach on world stage
by TIM KOELBLE, Herald-Mail
When the sixth annual Presidents Cup begins Thursday at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Prince William County, Va., there will be a twinge of local flavor inside the ropes.
Dan Neff, the Smithsburg High School golf coach, was one of 25 individuals selected from the Middle Atlantic PGA Section to be on hand for the golf extravaganza that features the United States against a formidable International team in match-play competition.
Neff will serve as an assistant to the match referee and as an observer each of the four days.
"I won't know until Wednesday which group I start with the first day ... but this is really a cool thing," said Neff. "They'll have the marshals at the tees and around the greens, but I'll be walking with one particular group the entire round each day."
Neff said Col. Richard Johns, executive director of the MAPGA, wants the assistants to be "a liaison during the match."
"(Col. Johns) wants a rapport with the assistants between the caddies and the gallery," said Neff. "They want us talking to them, to find out what club the player is using, distances, strategies and so on, and to keep the gallery informed."
In February while attending a PGA rules clinic in Dominion Valley, Va., the attendees were told by Col. Johns a situation would be developing where he would want people from the MAPGA to be involved at the Presidents Cup.
"It was a conversation that turned into filling out an application and going through a process of evaluations," said Neff. "There were about 60 to 70 applicants and I guess I was lucky enough to survive the cut."
The American team will consist of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, David Toms, Chris DiMarco, Jim Furyk, Fred Funk, Stewart Cink, Davis Love III, Scott Verplank, Justin Leonard and Fred Couples. Leonard and Couples were picks of captain Jack Nicklaus.
The International team, those that are not eligible for the Ryder Cup, will consist of Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen, Adam Scott, Angel Cabrera, Tim Clark, Michael Campbell, Mike Weir, Nick O'Hearn, Mark Hensby, Peter Lonard and Trevor Immelman, the last two being picks of captain Gary Player.
Of the players competing, an obvious hope would be a chance at assisting in Woods' group, but that is not necessarily the top choice of Neff.
"I've always liked Toms ... his demeanor and how he plays the game," said Neff. "From past experiences attending PGA events, I know a lot of these players are personable ... Mickelson loves to talk."
Toms, who suffered a rapid heartbeat condition during Friday's second round of the 84 Lumber Classic, returned to the practice range Sunday and has informed Nicklaus that he is ready to play.
Neff, 54, gained his certificate as a golf teaching professional in July through the United States Golf Teachers Federation, sanctioned by the USGA.
He maintains a slick indoor teaching facility at his home in Boonsboro that keeps him busy when he's not at school, on the golf course with his varsity team, or playing himself.
"As a teacher and a coach, these are the ideal things to do," said Neff. "I love teaching and with the facilities at home, I can do it year round."
However, for four days this week, Neff will be among the big boys.
"No doubt, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said.
Walkersville's Kevin Shutta
9/15/05
Middletown 167, Frederick 193
Tyler Ausherman, Tony Chakalis and James Aleksejus all shot 41s for
Middletown at the VFW County Club. Andrew Barber shot a 45 for Frederick.
Catoctin 164, Boonsboro 165
HAGERSTOWN --- A bogey by a Boonsboro golfer on the final hole
enabled Catoctin (5-2, 3-0 Antietam) To edge the Warriors. Zach Olsen shot a 38 with three Birdies for the Cougars and Adam Delauter shot a 40. Steve Miller shot a 42 for Catoctin.
Tuscarora 165, Westminster 165
URBANA---Kurt Stegle shot a 40 for Tuscarora and Bryant Khoo and Marc Malagari each shot a 41.
Brunswick 185, Clear Spring 232
MERCERSBURG, Pa. --- Andy Alger shot a 42 for Brunswick.
Walkersville 152, FSK 174
WALKERSVILLE --- Kevin Shutta Shot a 37 for Walkersville (6-2) at
Glade Valley Golf Club and Michael Jaquith and Nick Keefer each shot
a 38. Josh Winn carded a 39 for the Lions.
North Carroll High School's Mike Coppa eyes up a hole before making a putt Monday at Oakmont Green. KEN KOONS/CCT STAFF PHOTO
9/13/05
North Carroll freshman playing like a vet on varsity team
By Patrick Stoetzer, Carroll Times Staff Writer
HAMPSTEAD - Michael Coppa wanted to play golf with some of his middle school buddies rather than relocate and play for a private school team in Baltimore County.
So far the decision is working out for Coppa and North Carroll.
The 14-year-old freshman has played in four matches, and he's been the low scorer in all four. Coppa kept his streak intact by shooting a 3-over-par 39 on Monday at Oakmont Green Golf Club, a score low enough to earn medalist honors as North Carroll edged Thomas Johnson 165-170.
The Panthers are unbeaten at 4-0, 2-0 in the Chesapeake Conference, and Coppa's start is a big reason why.
He's averaging a nine-hole score of 37.25 with a 34 already posted at Oakmont, NC's home course. Coppa also has a 39 (The Links at Gettysburg) and a 37 (Worthington Manor) as the Panthers head into Wednesday's county match with Century.
It's mainly because of Coppa's wanting to play with classmates like Bryan Johnson and Brian Rampolla, both of whom have helped NC remain undefeated, instead of commuting each day to attend St. Paul's School in Brooklandville. (The Crusaders play varsity golf in the spring.)
Coppa, a summer tournament golfer who took up the game at an early age, didn't wow co-coach Bill McDonald with any low scores right away. But the first four matches have been enough for McDonald to thrust his top freshman to the No. 1 slot.
"What I like about him is his thought process," McDonald said. "He's the type of kid who's always thinking about his second shot before he hits his first one. He's very good at forgetting the moment."
Coppa had to do that at Worthington Manor in a match last Thursday against Tuscarora. He was 1-under through seven holes and stuck a tee shot close to the pin on the par-3 eighth, but made a double-bogey after four putts.
Frustrated, Coppa quickly forgot about his troubles and came back with a tap-in par on the par-5 ninth hole (McDonald said he reached the green in two).
"I just didn't want to do anything worse and try to do better," Coppa said.
Fast-forward to Monday. Coppa, who said he always sets a goal to shoot in the 30s, three-putted the No. 8 green but smoothed his drive on No. 9 down the fairway, stuck a 7-iron to within 12 feet and sank the putt for birdie to cap his round.
Not bad for a kid playing in his fourth varsity match.
"Mentally, this kid is like a 35-year-old in a 14-year-old body," McDonald said. "He's got a really good, strong mind for the game."
Coppa said playing on the junior Titleist and Nike tours over the summer helped him prepare for high school. His veteran play seems to be rubbing off on his NC teammates - on Monday sophomore Tyler Mewhirter shot 40, Rampolla carded a 41 and senior Ryan Corbin fired a 43 (Johnson, who plays regularly with Coppa at Piney Branch, also shot 43.)
"These kids, they're sort of seasoned for only being 14 years old," said McDonald, whose young team has seemingly replaced Times co-Golfer of the Year Jon Walker after he graduated in June.
It's happening pretty fast for Coppa, but he's relishing the early success.
"I wasn't sure how I would do," he said, "but I posted a 34 and that kind of boosted me up. That really helped me out."
Thomas Johnson (170): Montgomery Smith 40, Ryan Toomey 42, Ian Hahn 43, Paul Riuli 45.
North Carroll (165): Michael Coppa 39, Brian Rampolla 41, Ryan Corbin 42, Travis Mewhirter 43.
9/7/05
North Carroll 153, Winters Mill 171
At Oakmont Green in Hampstead, Mike Coppa carded a 34 to pace the Panthers (2-0, 2-0). Lewis Schnauble led WM (2-3, 1-2).
WINTERS MILL (171): Lewis Schnauble 39, A.J. Vedrani 44, Matt Deane 44, Brian Anderson 44.
NORTH CARROLL (153): Mike Coppa 34, Brian Rampolla 39, Zach Forbes 39, Chris Fiorino 41.
Westminster 174, Francis Scott Key 190
At Wakefield Valley in Westminster, Steve Krider shot 41 to lead the Owls (2-0, 2-0). Keith Bennett went low for FSK (2-3-1).
FSK (190): Keith Bennett 43, Kevin Wantz 45, Devin Cross 51, Travis Whitcomb 51.
WESTMINSTER (174): Steve Krider 41, Spencer Gifford 42, Rick Donaldson 45, Megan McFeeley 46.
Liberty 173, Urbana 180
At Francis Scott Key Golf Club in Finksburg, Kevin Pugh and Jon Rosecrans each shot 40 to lift the Lions (2-0).
URBANA (180): Mary Mattson 42, Jeff Fritsch 44, Stan Pfister 45, Jason Doll 49.
LIBERTY (173): Kevin Pugh 40, Jon Rosecrans 40, Pete Mangano 45, Frank Cinquegrani 48.
Thomas Johnson 170, South Carroll 173
At Glade Valley in Walkersville, the Cavs (0-3) lost despite Nick Waters' 41.
SOUTH CARROLL (173): Nick Waters 41, Todd Poole 43, Drew Phillips 44, Patrick Seymour 45.
THOMAS JOHNSON (170): Ian Hahn 38, Montgomery Smith 43, Ryan Toomey 45, Paul Riuli 45.
8/31/05
Westminster 173, South Carroll 184
Senior Tim Evelius shot a 41 as Westminster's golf team downed host South Carroll 173-184 on Tuesday at the Links at Challedon in Mount Airy.
Nic Jarboe and Spencer Gifford each carded 43s for the Owls, who won their opening match of the season.
Drew Phillips and Nick Waters paced the Cavaliers (0-2, 0-1 in the county).
WESTMINSTER (173): Tim Evelius 41, Nic Jarboe 43, Spencer Gifford 43, Steve Krider 46.
SOUTH CARROLL (184): Drew Phillips 44, Nick Waters 44, Zach Slifer 48, Pat Seymour 48.
North Carroll 161, Francis Scott Key 176
At the Links at Gettysburg, freshman Mike Coppa's 39 paced the Panthers. Kevin Wantz and Andy Novak each shot 43 for Key (1-2-1).
NORTH CARROLL (161): Mike Coppa 39, Zach Forbes 40, Brian Rampolla 40, Brian Johnson 42.
FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (176): Kevin Wantz 43, Andy Novak 43, Keith Bennett 45, Devin Cross 45.
Francis Scott Key 185, Linganore 194
at Westwinds. Jason Wagner-Linganore (43), Josh Foster (48).
Frederick News Post Golf Preview
FALL PREVIEW: GOLF
Jacquith stays the course
Senior ready to help lead Walkersville
By BILL CAULEY, Frederick News-Post Staff
Last week, Walkersville golfer Michael Jacquith had a bad round.
The Lions senior shot a 44 (nine holes) and knew he and his team was not having a good day. Walkersville went on to lose by one shot to Urbana.
But Jacquith knows there will be good rounds and not-so-good rounds. It's the way the game plays.
The previous week gives him good reason to believe more good rounds are ahead for him. Jacquith shot a 3-under-par 33 in Wa l ke rs v i l l e ' s record-setting win over Catoctin at Glade Valley Golf Club, the Lions' home course.
That round made Jacquith feel good and he said he's ready to help lead Walkersville this year.
“Putting is definitely a strong point in the game,” Jacquith said. “I've gotten experience over these last few years and I think we've got a strong team this year.”
Jacquith is well-aware of the successful golf tradition at Walkersville. The Lions have won three state 2A-1A championships and have remained at the forefront of the county, MVAL-Piedmont and District I golfing circuits. For Jacquith, it's like a dream come true.
“I play a lot, including the off-season,” Jacquith said. “I've played in some junior tournaments throughout the year and try and stay in shape.”
Staying motivated is also an important aspect of the game, Jacquith said. “The mental part is a key,” he said, adding the right frame of mind can make a difference.
During his round with Urbana last week, Jacquith had his share of troubles with some bad shots, bunkers and roughs. But he managed to stay with his game and do his best to make recoveries from those situations. Some of his recovery shots helped him keep his score that day from going higher than the 44 he ended up with on his scorecard.
“Michael knows when you have a bad shot and the ball doesn't bounce the way you want it to, there's nothing you can do about it,” Walkersville coach George Baltic said. “You put it behind you and move on to the next shot. If you dwell on it, it only makes it worse.”
“Yeah, you just have to keep going,” Jacquith said.
With the district tournament coming up in less than two weeks, maintaining composure under adverse circumstances will be important. Baltic said he knows Jacquith is up to the task.
“He's committed to the game,” Baltic said. “He's a dedicated, hardworker. You like to see that.”
Team-by-Team Outlook
BRUNSWICK
A mix of old and new faces are featured on this year’s team. But Brittany Switlick, a key golfer for the Railroaders this year, did not return, coach Bill Croall said. In any case, he expects the team to continue to improve. “We’ve still got some experience,” he said, noting Frazier and Alger should be key golfers.
CATOCTIN
With the departure of Derrick Thompson from the team, Catoctin will have a different look. “There’s a lot more teaching of the game on my part this year,” coach Chris Barnhart said. “Williamsport is loaded and will be in the hunt for the conference title.” Delauter’s pre-season scores for nine holes has been ranging from 39 to 45. “He should be a key golfer for us,” Barnhart said. “I’ve also been impressed with Zach’s scores. He’s shooting in the 40s in the pre-season.”
FREDERICK
The Cadets will be sporting a different look this year with the departure of Chris Clipp. Clipp was the Cadets’ pace-setter for the last four years and led the team. Frederick returns six from last year’s squad, which surpassed the .500 mark last year for the first time in recent years. “We’ve only got eight players on the team but six of them played last year, including Burns,” coach Gary Kelley said. Barber has been shooting in the low 40’s in the pre-season and continues to improve, Kelley said. “He just needs to fine-tune a few things and he’ll be right there,” he said.
LINGANORE
“We’re young with talent,” coach Matt Troy said. “We will probably be starting four sophomores. We’ve got sophomores who are capable of shooting in the 40’s.” Troy said he’s been pleased with the play of Wagner in the pre-season. “I’ve got to be patient as a new coach,” Troy said. “Another key thing we have to do is make the chip shots and make good putts.”
MIDDLETOWN
Ausherman and Waeber anchor a 14-player roster which includes a good group of juniors. “That gives us a good core of juniors to work with,” coach Mike Fox said. “They’re continuing to improve in practice and I think we can make a good showing.”
TJ
Hahn looks to be an early hopeful for the Patriots, posting scores averaging in the upper-30s. Coach Sonny Joseph said being able to compete with the other strong teams in the area is a goal.
TUSCARORA
“Things are looking pretty good for us,” coach Paul Hoyt said. “This is our first year with a senior class so we’re excited about that.”
URBANA
It’s a new look for the Hawks this year. Myles Vlachos graduated after a stellar four-year career. His father, John Vlachos, stepped down as coach as well. But Brett Stark steps in to take over a team which returns a promising golfer in Mattson, who already has a sub-par game under her belt. “Danny also has been looking good for us,” Stark said.
WALKERSVILLE
Williford looks to be the pace-setter for Walkersville this year. He brings more experience to the table this year and gives the Lions strength in the starting lineup. With 16 golfers on the roster, Walkersville has one of the largest teams in the area. Coach George Baltic said it would not be surprising for the Lions to start a larger group of underclassmen behind Williford.
2005 Prep Golf Capsules
by Herald-Mail
Boonsboro Warriors
Coach: Greg Henry, 5th year
Returning Players (8): Miles Brown, Sr. Chris Easterday, Sr. Matt Fortese, Sr. Brian Poole, Sr. April Hoffman, Jr. Caleb Hudlow, Jr. Ryan Willard, Jr. Dan Nicolosi, So.
Remainder Of Team: David Delaportis, So. Steven Bostwick, Fr. Joey Demartino, Fr. Luke Hoffman, Fr. Elijah Hudlow, Fr.
Outlook: "This is the hardest working team that I have ever had. If we continue to improve, we should have a good chance to go to the state tournament this year."
Clear Spring Blazers
Coach: David Kerns, 1st year
Returning Players (2): Cory Shives, So. Russell Baker, So.
Remainder Of Team: Brandon Grimm, Fr. Thomas Socks, Fr. Brad Sword, So. Kyle Warrenfeltz, So. Mitchell Blevins, Fr.
Outlook: "We're going to struggle this year. We're young and it is going to be a learning year. We're going to be down this year, but hopefully we're going to be up next year. With the young team that we have, I am looking forward to great things within three to four years."
North Hagerstown Hubs
Coach: Andy Gossard, 1st year
Returning Players (5): Steven Hutzell, Jr. Carl Spessard, Jr. James Hill, So. Paul Widmeyer, So. Adam Yost, So.
Remainder Of Team: Kevin Barnes, Fr.
Outlook: "We have a fairly young team, but somewhat experienced. My outlook for this season is positive, because of the amount of experience that we have returning. I will be looking to my juniors Steven Hutzell and Carl Spessard for leadership."
Smithsburg Leopards
Coach: Dan Neff, 8th year
Returning Players (7): Brandon Sheaffer, Sr. Dennis Herbert, Sr. Josh Humelsine, Sr. Alex Wine, Jr. Alicia Grier, Jr. Brad Scheaffer, Sr. Sean Henson, Jr.
Remainder Of Team: Paul Stavrakis, Jr. Michael Baer, So. Brandon Keefer, Fr.
Outlook: "With two returning state finalists in Brandon Sheaffer and Alicia Grier, we will be very solid at the top of our lineup. Our success can depend on how well the other players improve during the season."
South Hagerstown Rebels
Coach: Joe Guess, 4th year
Returning Players (6): Larry Bishop, Jr. Derick Boerstler, Jr. Andrew Mueller, So. Kyle Rice, Sr. Brent Savage, Jr. Robbie Suddith, So.
Remainder Of Team: Justin Martin, Jr. William Tickle, Sr. David Travis, So. Brennen Przywieczerski, So. Carl Johnson, Sr. Matthew Clakey, Fr.
Outlook: "I think that we can be competitive. We do have a nucleus of having a fairly decent team."
Williamsport Wildcats
Coach: Rod Steiner, 8th year
Returning Players (8): Logan Hintze, Sr. Matt Weber, Jr. Brendan Benisek, Jr. Kyle Butler, Jr. Wes Loveless, Jr. Andrew Duff, So. Eric Wilfong, So. Dustin Starliper, So.
Remainder Of Team: Josh Cline, So.
Outlook: "We won the county championship the other day with a record of 304. If we can work hard for the rest of the year like we did in the county tournament, then we can have a good season and possibly go to the states as a team for the first time in school history."
Brunswick Railroaders
Coach: Bill Croal, 5th year
Returning Players (6): Russell Frazier, Sr. Brittany Switlick, Sr. Andy Alger, Jr. Evan Chaney, Jr. Andy Weddle, Jr. Chris Carmel, Jr.
Remainder Of Team: Charles Wagner, Jr. Steve Reedy, Jr., Matthew Stitt, Fr. Danny Arnett, Fr.
Outlook: "With more returning players than what we had last year, I think that we should do better. It ought to be one of our more successful seasons this year."
Catoctin Cougars
Coach: Chris Barnhart, 6th year
Returning Players (7): Zach Olsen, Sr. Graham North, Sr. Adam Delauter, Sr. Matt Moser, Sr. Steven Miller, Jr. Andrew Goss, So. Evan Linton, So.
Remainder Of Team: Harry King, So. D.J. Long, So. Justin Bonnie, Fr., Tyler Miller, Fr. Jared Fahnestock, Fr.
Outlook: "After winning the Antietam Conference title for the last two years, we are going to be lacking in experience. We lost five seniors. We are going to be pretty much average this year."
Frederick Cadets
Coach: Gary Kelley, Jr., 3rd year
Returning Players (6): Andrew Barber, Sr. Billy King, Sr. Tyler Aldrich, Sr. John Breen, Sr. Joe Burns, Jr. Mike Schultz, Sr.
Remainder Of Team: Antion Asvraham, Sr. John Dittig, Jr.
Outlook: "Last year, we were above .500. I would like to keep it that way. We have a good squad. I would like to send one or two players to states."
Middletown Knights
Coach: Mike Fox, 2nd year
Returning Players (8): Kristen Waeber, Sr. Tony Chakalis, Sr. Tyler Ausherman, Jr. Pete Karcewski, Jr. Blaine Bidle, Jr. Collin McCann, Jr. Jarrett Remsberg, Jr. Adam Sullivan, So.
Remainder Of Team: Brett Bidle, Fr. David Drewy, So. James Aleksejus, Jr. Josh Meikrantz, Jr. David Meikrantz, Fr. Kevin Wright, So.
Outlook: "We've got a really strong nucleus of juniors and seniors. Tyler Ausherman and Kristen Waeber should do real well. We had a good season last year. With the experience that we have, we should do even better this year."
Thomas Johnson Patriots
Coach: Sonny Joseph, 3rd year
Returning Players (7): Paul Riuli, Jr. Ian Hahn, So. Nicholas Bill, So. Montgomery Smith, Jr. Scott Gilson, Jr. Cory McCauley, Sr. Brian Toomey, Sr.
Remainder Of Team: Travis Bartgis, So. Kyle Beck, Jr. Chris Landry, Jr. Luke Shankle, Jr. Parker Burgon, So. Charlton Kilgore, Sr. Daniel Williamson, Jr.
Outlook: "We're going to be young and inexperienced. Hopefully, we'll be improving as the season goes along. The kids are pretty upbeat, because they have been practicing all summer long."
Tuscarora Titans
Coach: Paul Hoyt, 3rd year
Returning Players (9): Brett Fisher, Sr. Mark Malagari, Sr. Billy Naille, Jr. Kellan Vanstoy, Jr. Mikey Leizear, So. Jenn Logan, Jr. Andrew Surette, So. Kurt Stegle, Jr. Bryant Khoo, Jr.
Remainder Of Team: Michael Escobar, Sr.
Outlook: "I am very optimistic that we will be able to compete. This is really our first year of having a real varsity team. Quite a few of the kids are in their third year on the team."
Walkersville Lions
Coach: George Baltic, 3rd year
Returning Players (12): Michael Jaquith, Sr., Christopher Reilly, Sr., Josh Williford, Sr., Nick Keefer, Jr., Eric Pickett, Jr., Cody Blickenstaff, So., Samuel Conrad, So., Brian Hesen, So., Jeff Sabol, So., Kevin Shutta, So., Alden Tuck, So., Joshua Winn, So.
Remainder Of Team: Taylor Crook, Sr., Benjamin Miller, Sr., Chad Benford, So., Joel Kutchey, Fr., Andrew Medovich, Fr.
Outlook: "I think we have a young, strong team that will bring out the best in our competitors. We want to return to states for a third straight year with a goal to reach No. 1 in 1A-2A."
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