Golf season starts today; MVP area loaded
By Tim Langevin
Golf season tees off today and with it exasperation and high anxiety, one-putt birdies and three-putt bogeys, booming drives and crispy iron shots, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Despite this roller-coaster of emotions during a round, one thing is certain. These kids are good.
The Shelby County area is loaded with talent and four teams, one individual, and one legendary coach who all possess a common goal – advance to the 2010 State Championships.
Minster DIII
The defending state champions are gearing up for a return trip to Sunbury. The Wildcats have won five straight MAC titles and a sixth looks imminent. Gone is Ben Hogankamp (Wittenberg) and head coach Mike Griner, but three starters are back from last year’s 116-5 squad in Craig Purpus (37 avg.), Austin Fischer (40 avg.), and Oliver Weaver (41 avg.).
Expected to contribute are seniors Sam Phlipot and Ryan Bernhold, along with newcomers Matt Wuebker, Josh Speiles, Josh Tumbusch, Freddie Purdy, and John Burke. Inotherwords, depth is not an issue.
First-year head coach Dave Borchers said, “We have good tournament experience from our post-season run last year and many of our golfers have been playing in various tournaments this summer to continue to improve under pressure situations.”
“We lost some good talent from last year’s team, but we have some great golfers ready to step in,” added Borchers.
Lehman DIII
Head coach Elmer Schlater is synonomous with the Lehman golf program. At the age of 76, Schlater hasn’t slowed down. He plays to a seven handicap and can be found on the Shelby Oaks golf course four times a week. He has 945 wins and all indications point toward 1,000 wins by season’s end. His teams have qualified for district nine straight years and state three times.
Entering his 15th season, the Cavs look poised for a return trip to state. Last year, his linksters finished 9th with an overall record of 119-27. Leading the team is senior Wil Fridley and junior Ben Thieman. Both played #1 and #2 man and both averaged under 40 strokes per round.
Rounding out the top five are Tyler Bergman, John Copella, and Ian Baker.
Russia DIII
The Raiders missed qualifying for state by one stroke last season. Head coach Paul Bremigan said it best, “That’s something you never forget.”
This season could prove to be redemption. The Raiders were SCL co-champs with an 11-1 mark and return three starters, including #1 man Corey Bremigan. The junior recently finished third in the prestigious Shelby County Open with a 77-68-145 total.
Brandon Wilson, Mitch Bensman, and sophomore Treg Francis round out the top four spots.
Coach Bremigan said, “We have some good young golfers. We have about 6-8 kids who will be battling for the 5th and 6th positions.”
Anna DII
The Rockets tied Russia for SCL title and it looks to be a two-horse race again this year. Head coach Thomas Kremer has five experienced players returning. Seniors Trey Billing, Garrett Wolfe, Brandyn Heitman, and Jay Cain and junior Luke Kindelin solidify the top five spots.
Newcomers added to the mix include Josh Schwieterman, Max Pulfer, and Jacob Counts.
Coach Kremer said, “Our top five golfers should be very consistent. We expect a solid year and Russia, as usual, will be right there with us. It should be an exciting year!”
Sidney DI
The Jackets look to repeat as GWOC North champions and Zach Yinger, First Team All-Ohio and State Runner-up, will be eyeing his third staight state appearance. Last year, Yinger missed a two-foot putt on the final hole for medalist honors with Korey Ward (Lakota West).
Yinger struggled, somewhat, on the national junior scene this summer, but that is behind him and his goal is to capture medalist at the state tournament.
Head coach Doug Barhorst said, “I told Zach to forget about this summer and set mini-goals along the way. Make some noise heading into the state tournament. Try to shoot a 28 or 29 in some matches.”
Sidney’s #2 man will be Calvin Milligan, who recently shot a 72 at the Rob Fridley Junior Golf Tournament a few weeks ago. Matt Slonaker will be the #3 man. He averaged 43 strokes per round. Both Andy Beigel and Christian Manor look to help the squad. Beigel played golf in junior high, but then played varsity soccer the past three years.
Barhorst said, “The key this season will be our fourth score. We know what our top three can do, but we need a consistent fourth score.”
Other Chips and Putts
The southwest region is one of the toughest in the state. Four of Ohio’s top golfers – Korey Ward (Lakota West), Zach Yinger, Michael Bernard (Wayne), and Nick Scott (Northmont) – will battle for the top two spots to advance to state.
Ward has won back-to-back medalist honors and is hoping to become the third Ohio schoolboy to win three consecutive titles, joining Fred Jones (1950-1952) and Ralph Guarasci (1972-1974).
Yinger has qualified for back-to-back state appearances and looking to de-throne Ward’s bid for three. Yinger finished 14th overall in 2008 and co-runner-up in 2009.
Bernard and Scott have yet to qualify for state, but both are coming off brilliant summers. Bernard won the Ohio Amateur two weeks ago and Scott has placed high in numerous national tournaments. He ranks #145 in the nation according to Golfweek.com.
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