In athletics you can’t ask for much more than a hard work ethic and that’s exactly what the Oak Harbor boy golfers have displayed early in their season.
“I am pleased with our performance so far,” head coach John Matzen said. “The boys have been practicing hard, their practice efforts will eventually result in lower scores.”
After winning their first team match in two years to start their season, the Cats hoped to carry the momentum into their home match with Snohomish and Kamiak on Tuesday. Despite putting forth a strong team effort and having Drew Bashor receive medalist honors, Oak Harbor ended the day third. Snohomish finished on top with five of their golfers combining for a score of 412, Kamiak came in second with 428 and Oak Harbor had 434.
In windy conditions, the Wildcats’ Bashor shot three over par for 18 holes, receiving a 75 and his first ever medalist honor.
“Three over par in those conditions was great,” Matzen said. “This will do wonders for his confidence, he certainly was smiling after the match.”
Although Bashor got the high score on the day, Jason Calamaro of Snohomish finished only one stroke behind with 76 and his four teammates all scored 84 to help put them over the top.
Matt Holmy received the next highest score for Oak Harbor with 86 points, followed by Chris Reedy with 87, Eric Taylor with 91 and Kyle Saar with 95.
So far Matzen is pleased with what the golf team has accomplished early in the season and he continues to see improvement from everyone.
“The biggest improvement so far has been the desire to play better,” he said.
Oak Harbor has yet to enter WesCo North A division play, which consists of matches against Mount Vernon, Stanwood and Arlington. Of those teams Mount Vernon is expected to provide the biggest challenge as they are returning three or four players from a solid team last year. Oak Harbor’s first division match will take place at 3 p.m., Thursday, April 17 at Whidbey Golf and Country Club.
By the end of the season, Matzen hopes the team will have acheived a few significant goals.
“I would like to see our team scoring below a 400 for an 18 hole course,” he said. “I would also like to finish in the top five in the WesCo North. I would like to see two players qualify for the state tournament.”
The Cats don’t play again until Monday, April 14 at the Tom Dolan Tournament at the Everett Golf and Country Club.
Results for 18 holes, par 72 at Whidbey Golf and Country—Snohomish 412, Kamiak 428, Oak Harbor 434
OH: Bashor 75, Holmy 86, Reedy 87, Taylor 91, Saar 95. S: Calamaro 76, Nichols 84, Merisko 84, Morishige 84, White 84. K: Bullock 81,Gihm 85, Peters 85, Wood 88, Saban 89.
