WHS Golf Team Looks to Build on Last Year’s Success

The Weedsport Varsity Golf team ended last season off in a great fashion. At a .500 record, sending a six-man team to sectionals, and eventually sending Ashton Sheils to state qualifiers, but missed the state cut by a lone stroke.

Looking to build on the momentum from last year, this year’s squad is off and running.

“So far practices have been going very well,” said head coach Nick Wilson. “Being able to get out on the golf course several times in mid-March is a huge advantage over some of the other schools. Many courses did not even open until much later.”

After losing Kenny Colella, and Justin Files to graduation last year, both were consistent top shooters all season, many of this year’s seniors and juniors need to step up to fill such a large void.

“The graduating seniors will be missed,” said Wilson. The team also lost Nathan Harding, James Sheehan, and Malique Wright. “They provided a steady score throughout the season that was counted on.”

While top shooter Sheils is still around to contribute, he needs five more players behind him to carry the team throughout matches in the season, all in hopes to return to sectionals as a team, and not just individually.

The team gained some new faces this season, including two seventh graders who certainly have a lot of potential to become some top golfers as they progress in their career. The two seventh graders are Nick Spingler and Tate Tomandl.

“It is nice to see an interest in golf from younger student athletes,” said Wilson. “Having two seventh graders on the team will allow them to learn the game at a young age and not only improve skill wise, but gain experience as to what exactly a varsity golf season and match looks like.”

The golfers were able to get out to their home-course, Meadowbrook, a little earlier than expected, due to excellent weather conditions with the lack of snow, and rain. However, now the snow has returned and put a damper on things.

“Meadowbrook is in my opinion the best conditioned, and most fun of the local golf courses that we will play,” said Wilson. “The owners Trey and Tina are great to the team and myself when it comes to course availability, and accommodating all of our matches.”

When they get to Meadowbrook, they do have a big help there – Trey Walewski, the owner of the course. He is a former PGA Pro, and typically gives advice and tips to golfers on their form, and golf etiquette.

“I enjoy talking to Trey who, as a PGA professional, has a wealth of knowledge about the game and about athletics in general,” said Wilson. “He provides insight as to rules, etiquette, swing thoughts, and more.”

The season is looking bright for the sport not talked about too much around Weedsport.

Said Wilson: “As for the outlook on the season, I expect close scores in every match and to qualify for sectional play yet again.”