2014 BOYS GOLF TEAM CAPSULES
2014 BOYS GOLF TEAM CAPSULES
Below are the 2014 boys golf team capsules for teams located in the coverage region for www.northoaklandsports.com and The Real Deal Sports Magazine. Profiles compiled by Senior Editor Daniel Stickradt based on surveys emailed to coaches. Email updates, scores and other information to Dan.Stickradt@northoaklandsports.com or Results@northoaklandsports.com. Follow on Twitter @LocalSportsFans or on multiple other social media networks.
Auburn Hills Avondale
COACH: James Maley, seventh season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 2-5, 1-4 OAA Blue Division.
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Fifth at OAA Blue Division Tournament; fifth in final standings.
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: 24th at D-I County (375).
DISTRICT FINISH: Seventh at D-2 Shenandoah District (339).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Did not compete.
STATE TOURNAMENT: Did not compete.
RETURNEES: Nikolas Senkowski, jr. (state qualifier); Steven Schaller, sr.; Jake Yencha, sr.; Ryan Lee, jr.; Sam Jacobson, soph.; Colin Miller, soph..
NEWCOMERS: Jacob Pershern, fr. (also playing baseball).
KEY LOSSES: Ryan Peterson.
NOTABLES: Avondale suffered a major rebuilding year last spring, bringing back just one player with significant varsity experience (Senkowski). With six of its top golfers back from a team that did not make it out of districts after appearing at the state finals in 2011 and 2012, this season looks to be more fruitful.
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian
COACH: Randy Johnson, 16th season
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 15-2, 8-0 Michigan Independent Athletic Conference
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: First (won eight straight league titles).
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: 22nd at D-I County (357).
DISTRICT FINISH: Fourth at D-4 Heather Highlands district (352).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: First at D-4 Lake Forest regional (334).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Seventh at D-4 state finals (331-332-657).
RETURNEES: John Van Noord, sr.; Aaron Kostich, sr.; Spencer Haupert, sr.; Austin Miller, sr.; Jimmy Kern, sr.; Nathum Tesfra, jr.
KEY LOSSES: None.
NOTABLES: Oakland Christian has won eight straight league championships and been to the state finals seventh straight seasons. With the entire top five back this season, including four seniors, this should be another banner year for the Lancers. If they play consistent golf, then this team might be able collect another top-10 state finals finish, maybe higher.
Clarkston
COACH: Pete Gallagher
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Played in OAA Red Division jamborees.
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Fifth at OAA Red Division Tournament; finished fifth in final league standings.
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: Sixth at D-I County (320).
DISTRICT FINISH: Second at D-1 Coyote Preserve district (317).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: 10th at D-1 Boulder Pointe regional (324).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Did not qualify.
RETURNEES: Brandon Graham, jr.; Lucas Nesbitt, sr.; Alex Dice, jr.; Nick Badgley, sr.; Chad Karuman, sr.
NEWCOMERS: Unavailable.
KEY LOSSES: Jack Alli, Alec Genter, Nick Surovic, Alex McIntosh, Grant Polish, Nick Craven, Kyle Rogowski, Zach Gibson.
NOTABLES: Clarkston was one of many quality teams out of the OAA Red Division last season, and part of a contingent of five league members to reach the regional round. One rough day at the regional ended the ride a week short. But Clarkston has proven over the years to almost always be in the mix and the Wolves will likely be a quality team once again.
Clarkston Everest Collegiate-
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes Unified
COACH: Dave Smith, fifth season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Unavailable.
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Second at CHSL C-D Tournament (352).
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: Second at D-II County (304).
DISTRICT FINISH: Second at D-4 Heather Highlands district (342).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Fourth at D-4 Lake Forest regional (353).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Did not qualify.
RETURNEES: Tyler Razwadowski, soph.; Owen McMahon, sr.; Danny McMahon, jr.; David Shoultz, sr. Clay Senerius, soph.; Nick Grenn, soph.
NEWCOMERS: Unavailable.
KEY LOSSES: David Smith, Ben Bates.
NOTABLES: This unified team had one of its better seasons a year ago, only to fall agonizingly short of the state finals by just a couple of strokes. Although the top two golfers graduated, the next six players return to the links with the hopes of playing WOLL-CEC into the final weekend.
Holly
COACH: Brent Davies, first season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 5-4, 4-4 Flint Metro League
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Fourth at FML Tournament (341); fourth in final standings.
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: 10th at D-II County (324).
DISTRICT FINISH: Eighth at D-1 Coyote Preserve district (334).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Did not qualify.
STATE TOURNAMENT: Did not qualify.
RETURNEES: Kyle Pepper, sr.; Mitchell Hughes, jr.; Parker Rowse, jr.; William Moller, sr.; Connor Patterson, sr.
NEWCOMERS: Unavailable.
KEY LOSSES: Austin Miner, Phil Samson, Gunnar LaFave; Zach Goodrich, sr.; Sam Johnson, soph.
NOTABLES: Holly came on strong later in the season with some solid team rounds and now return five of their top eight golfers. With a new coach and a solid cast of players, the Bronchos could be a team on the rise in the FML standings and capable of making it to the regional round and perhaps beyond. Holly is 4-1 on the young season and finished second at the Lapeer Tune-Up.
Lake Orion
COACH: Monty Gallagher
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Played in OAA Red Division jamborees.
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Second at OAA Red Division Tournament; first in final standings.
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: First at D-I County (303).
OTHER TOURNAMENTS: Finished in top five at multiple invitationals.
DISTRICT FINISH: Third at D-1 Coyote Preserve district (319).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Sixth at D-1 Boulder Pointe regional (314).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Did not qualify.
RETURNEES: Griffin Beeler, sr.; Schuyler Werth, jr.; Dallas Wade, sr.; Alex Giwa, sr.; Ben Gorcyca, sr.; Patrick Cummins, jr.; Dalton Pecar, sr.
NEWCOMERS: Unavailable.
KEY LOSSES: Alex Waelchli, Mason Gorris, Ryan Kaczor.
NOTABLES: The Dragons were one of the top teams in the state in Division 1 throughout the regular season, winning league and the prestigious Oakland County crowns along with multiple top five finishes at other large invitationals. But in a finicky sport such as golf, the Dragons only finished sixth in a tough and closely-contested regional, ending their hopes for a high finish at the state finals.
Ortonville Brandon
COACH: Tony Trupiano.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 3-7-0, 2-6-0 Flint Metro League.
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Sixth at FML Tournament (343).
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: 13th at D-II County (358).
DISTRICT FINISH: 13th at D-1 Coyote Preserve district (376).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Did not qualify.
STATE TOURNAMENT: Did not qualify.
RETURNEES: Jason Quintanilla, sr.; David Baldwin, jr.
NEWCOMERS:
KEY LOSSES: Tyler Lewis, Jacob Selak, Lyric Nazar, Jacob Heath.
Oxford
COACH: Terry Kelley
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Unavailable.
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Unavailable, OAA Blue Division.
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: 16th at D-I County (332).
DISTRICT FINISH: Seventh at D-1 Coyote Preserve district (325).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Did not qualify.
STATE TOURNAMENT: Did not qualify.
RETURNEES: Doug Schultz, sr.; JJ Lewis, sr.; Matt Prince, jr.; Rolly Giberson, sr.; Eric Curtis, sr.
NEWCOMERS: Drew Pappas, jr.; Logan Scott, jr.; Brian Biddle, jr.
KEY LOSSES: None.
NOTABLES: With the top four golfers back, Oxford has higher expectations after some middle-of-the-road finishes last season. The Wildcats will play in more high-quality tournaments and its division of the OAA will be much stronger than the past couple of years. In terms of winning championships, many area schools return a bulk of their talent, so it will be a regular dogfight for position at tournaments and advancement to the regional and state rounds of competition.
Pontiac
COACH: Harry Porter
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Unavailable, OAA Gold Division
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Unavailable.
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: 21st at D-II County (429).
DISTRICT FINISH: 14th at D-1 Coyote Preserve district (NTS).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Did not qualify.
STATE TOURNAMENT: Did not qualify.
RETURNEES: Cash Perez, sr.
NEWCOMERS: Unavailable.
KEY LOSSES: Deandre Adams, Nou Chang.
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
COACH: Steve Vecellio, third season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 5-2, 3-2 CHSL AA Division
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Fifth at CHSL A-B Tournament (324).
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: 11th at D-I County (324).
DISTRICT FINISH: Fourth at D-2 Shenandoah C.C. district (335).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Second at D-2 Fieldstone regional (324).
STATE TOURNAMENT: 11th at D-2 state finals (335-343-678).
RETURNEES: Tyler Jackson, sr.; Jack Zohoury, sr.; Ryan Lesser, sr.; Jack Dimefski, jr.; Peter Lucido, jr.; Hairskos Christian, sr.
NEWCOMERS: Bryce Baringer, fr.; Jackson Stowe, fr.
KEY LOSSES: Jeff Bullard, Mike Risi.
NOTABLES: With four of its top five back, six total players back and the arrival of two quality freshmen and the Irish are primed for a biog season. Last season they fell only a few strokes shy of the top 10 at the state finals. If they can make a return trip, top-10 land is reachable.
Rochester
COACH: Paul Marti, 22nd season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Played in OAA Red Division jamborees.
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: First at OAA Red Division Tournament; third in final league standings.
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: 10th at D-I County (322).
DISTRICT FINISH: Sixth at D-1 Coyote Preserve district (324).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Fifth at D-1 Boulder Pointe regional (312).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Did not qualify.
RETURNEES: Mike Murri, sr.; Ludovic Clavette-Lachapelle, sr.; Michael Busse, soph.; Jared Nylund, soph; Scott Difillipo, sr.; Torre Rocco, sr.; Johnathan Wareham, sr.
NEWCOMERS: Nick DeLang, sr.; Max Sandler, soph.
KEY LOSSES: None.
NOTABLES: Rochester welcomes back its entire top six golfers from last season from a team that was only six strokes shy of a third-place finish at the regionals and a berth in the D-1 state finals. Contending in the league, district and regional rounds is a reasonable goal for this experienced bunch. The Falcons have not qualified for the state finals since the fall of 2002, and that was a last-place 25th-place finish. Rochester was top-11 every year from 1990 through 1995, including a state title in ’92 and second in ’95.
Rochester Adams
COACH: Dan Picot, 10th season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Played in league jamborees.
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Third at OAA Red Division Tournament; tied for third in final league standings.
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: Fourth at D-I County (316).
OTHER TOURNAMENTS: First at Jackson Lumen Christi Invitational; second at Birmingham Seaholm Invitational; second at Farmington Invitational.
DISTRICT FINISH: Fourth at D-1 Coyote Preserve district (319).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Third at D-1 boulder Pointe regional (307).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Ninth at D-1 state finals (317-312-629).
RETURNEES: Brandon Borrows, jr.; Zach Adams, sr.; Greg Moran, jr.; Matt Donoughe, sr.; Matt Palazzolo, soph.
NEWCOMERS: Ryan Kauppila, soph.; Bailey Adams, fr.; Mike Costabile, fr.; Nick Pak, soph.; Taylor Mansell, jr.
KEY LOSSES: Eric Busa, Marcus Robinson.
NOTABLES: Adams is coming off a fine season, where they multiple top-10 and even top-five finishes that ended with a top-10 finish at state. The Highlanders have posted 13 top-10 state finals finishes dating back to the late 1970s. Even in the years that Adams has not qualified, they were close.
Rochester Stoney Creek
COACH: Jeff Haney, first season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Played in league jamborees.
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Secind in final OAA Red Division standings.
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: Fifth at D-I County (318).
DISTRICT FINISH: Fifth at D-1 Coyote Preserve district (322).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Second at D-1 Boulder Pointe regional (305).
STATE TOURNAMENT: 15th at D-1 state finals (335-323-658).
RETURNEES: Michael Linihan, sr.; Grant Hozeski, sr.; Connor McBride, sr.; Jack Dobat, sr.
NEWCOMERS: Terrance Norris, soph.; Drew Tonti, soph.; Paul Seyferth, sr; Riley Nelligen, jr.
KEY LOSSES: Spencer Lendzion, Michael Doyle, sr. (not playing); Richie Ingle; Eric Autio.
NOTABLES: Stoney Creek battled through a congested group of quality teams in this region to reach the state finals a year ago, registering multiple top-10 finishes along the way. Three of thee top five have departed, although there is some good holdover talent mixed with some promising newcomers that could keep new coach Jeff Haney’s team in the hunt. Haney has coached state powerhouse Rochester’s girls team the past decade and has a knack of keeping his players calm and cool — and successful.
Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest
COACH: Jimmy Mehlberg.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 7-5 Michigan Independent Athletic Conference.
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Second at MIAC Tournament.
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: 13th at D-II County (335).
DISTRICT FINISH: Sixth at Heather Highlands district (367).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Second at Lake Forest regional (350).
STATE TOURNAMENT: 13th at D-4 state finals (338-345-683).
RETURNEES: Dan Sauer, jr.; Kyle Muthart, jr.; David Jehn, jr.; Justin Sylvester, jr.
NEWCOMERS: Bryan Miscovich, jr.; Brandon Schrupp, jr.; Drew Penn, soph.
LOSSES: Jameson Collar, Greg Maynard, Justin Tignanelli, Evan Rouce.
NOTABLES: Northwest has qualified for the D-4 state finals the past three years, the only time that the Crusaders have accomplished such a feat in their history. If Northwest is going to enjoy similar success and add to that tally, the Crusaders will need for some young players to step forward and four of the top eight and three of the state finals contingent graduated.
Troy
COACH: John Getzan
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Competed in OAA Red Division jamborees.
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Sixth at OAA Red Division Tournament; sixth in final OAA Red Division standings.
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: 17th at D-I County (335).
DISTRICT FINISH: Seventh at D-1 Cherry Creek district (328).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: Did not qualify.
STATE TOURNAMENT: Did not qualify.
RETURNEES: Christian Harnishfeger, sr.; Manak Singh, jr.; Nikhil Yedulla, jr.
NEWCOMERS: Andrew Afante, jr.; Jimmy Barrett, soph.; Dominic DiMembro, jr.; Jeremy Lua, jr.; Ryan Parker, soph.; Garett Stuart, jr.
KEY LOSSES: Zach Bauer, Nick Guzzo, Jimmy McQuiston, Steve Zacharias, Vishal Reddy.
NOTABLES: After making the state finals cut in both 2001 and 2012, Troy had a rough showing at last year’s district and failed to advance any further. The Colts return three players and welcome in six newcomers. Competing in a tough league and tournaments all season should help prepare Troy for the championship season, as long as the new faces can produce quality scores during the final weeks.
Troy Athens
COACH: Dan Cooper, second season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Unavailable.
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT FINISH: Unavailable.
OAKLAND COUNTY FINISH: Eighth at D-II County (314).
DISTRICT FINISH: Second at D-1 Cherry Creek district (317).
REGIONAL MEET FINISH: 10th at D-1 The Orchards regional (344).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Did not qualify.
RETURNEES: Chase Curtis, sr.; Bryan Lawson, sr.; Dennis Volostnykh, soph.; Matt Maziasz, sr.; Jack Stower, jr.; Brandon Goodes, sr.; Alex Wojcik, sr.
NEWCOMERS: Dylan Katora, Josh Burbano, Colin Carrund.
KEY LOSSES: Matt Bell.
NOTABLES: It has been years since the Athens boys team has qualified for the state finals, 30.5 years to be exact. Can the red Hawks end the drought with seven returnees. At the very least, they should be able to compete in their league and district level. Athens has not fared well in the regional round the past three years.
Above are the 2014 boys golf team capsules for teams located in the coverage region for www.northoaklandsports.com and The Real Deal Sports Magazine. Profiles compiled by Senior Editor Daniel Stickradt based on surveys emailed to coaches. Email updates, scores and other information to Dan.Stickradt@northoaklandsports.com or Results@northoaklandsports.com. Follow on Twitter @LocalSportsFans or on multiple other social media networks.
Category: Uncategorized
