High school golf notes: Elyria Catholic poised for big things as tournament time beckons
Kevin Aprile | The Chronicle-Telegram
Elyria Catholic coach Tom Porter spent the weekend watching some of the best golfers in the world. He’d settle for getting to watch the best golfers on the course today.
Porter was a spectator Friday through Sunday at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., while the U.S. beat Europe for its first Ryder Cup win since 1999. Today he’ll be a spectator at Mallard Creek Golf Club in Columbia Station for the Division II sectional, hoping his Panthers can qualify to districts for the 10th time in 12 years.
After winning last week’s North Coast League White Division title, things are looking pretty good in that department.
“These guys, they just get the job done,” Porter said of his team. “They’re not flashy, but they’re steady. If someone’s down, there’s always somebody there to pick them up.”
Colin Coughlin, a junior, did most of the heavy lifting at the conference tournament, firing a 2-over 74 at Pine Hills. That could be a good sign for the Panthers, considering Coughlin led them to a second-place finish at last year’s sectional with a 3-over 75.
“I hit every fairway and putted amazingly well,” Coughlin said of his round at Pine Hills. “I didn’t have any three-putts and nothing worse than a bogey.”
Coughlin, who had two birdies and four bogeys, figures he used only 24 or 25 putts. Surprisingly, he said he actually played even better the day before when he shot an even-par 36 in a tri-match at Forest Hills.
“The greens were being aerified or I would have done a lot better,” Coughlin said. “I didn’t make any putts.”
Porter believes he has his team primed for another tournament run thanks to his usual tactic of scheduling tough teams on tough courses.
“They see what the best players are like and how they play,” Porter said of his Panthers. “I tell them I don’t worry about our record so much.”
It’s all about getting ready for the postseason, which begins today for EC. Ryan Polk, a junior, leads the team with a 39.7 average for nine holes and a 76.6 for 18. Coughlin averages 40.7 and 76.3. They’ll have help in Doug Baluh, A.J. Novak and Matt Spencer today.
“This is probably the deepest I’ve been in a while,” said Porter, who can only take five to sectional. “I have seven or eight guys who can fill out that top five. We’ve never been eight deep like this.”
Polk plays No. 1, while Coughlin is No. 4.
Say what?
“I get superstitious about the lineup,” Porter said. “(Coughlin) plays well out of the No. 4 hole. He doesn’t care where he plays. Wherever I stick these guys, they’ll play.”
The one spot Porter would love for the Panthers to play this year is the Scarlet Course at Ohio State the weekend of Oct. 10-11.
“I don’t like being — so to speak — the Buffalo Bills,” said Porter, who despite all his sectional success has never had one of his teams make it through districts. “I’d like to make it to state one of these years.”
’Horns look sharp
Another area team that’s been dreaming of state for the past couple of seasons is Lutheran West. The way the Longhorns have been playing recently, this might be their year.
The ’Horns set a pair of school records last week. First they had five golfers break 80 at Eagle Creek in setting the school’s
18-hole record with a 301 while winning the Patriot Athletic Conference title by 17 shots. The next day they broke the school’s nine-hole record by a stroke with a 146 at Sweetbriar. They edged Gilmour, a potential district rival, by two shots.
“This year the kids have a little more experience,” said veteran coach Karen Wittrock, who returns four of five players from a team that won sectionals only to stumble at districts.
Even so, the Longhorns have three juniors and three sophomores in their top six, so they still have next year if they don’t get it done this season.
Mike Clum, a sophomore from Westlake, had a stellar week, winning the PAC with a 1-over 72 and firing an even-par 35 in the record-breaking round at Sweetbriar. Ben Lehrke, a junior from North Ridgeville, was right behind him both rounds, shooting 73 and 36, respectively.
The ’Horns tee it up in the Division III sectional Wednesday at Pine Hills. Would it be an understatement to say they’re a favorite to advance to districts?
Ask the coach.
“We better or Coach Wittrock will be very upset.”
Contact Kevin Aprile at 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Colin Coughlin, Elyria Catholic
YEAR: Junior
WHAT HE DID: Fired a 2-over 74 at Pine Hills to claim the individual title in the North Coast League tournament Wednesday and lead EC to the White Division crown, as well. Shot an even-par 36 on aerated greens at Forest Hill the day before in leading the Panthers past Elyria and Lakewood in a tri-match.
INTERESTS: Likes to drive, chill with his friends and be with his girlfriend.
FUTURE PLANS: Hoping to go to college on a golf scholarship. Thinking about studying computers.
FAVORITE GOLFER: Adam Scott
PARENTS: Bill and Joanie Coughlin
Mike Clum, Lutheran West
YEAR: Sophomore
WHAT HE DID: Shot a 1-over 72, including firing a 3-under 32 on the back, to win medalist honors and lead the Longhorns to first place at the Patriot Athletic Conference tournament at Eagle Creek on Tuesday, then shot an even-par 35 to lead the Longhorns to a school-record score in a 146-148 dual-match win over Gilmour on Wednesday at Sweetbriar. The previous school record was 147.
OTHER SPORTS: Plays point guard and shooting guard in basketball. Also intramural badminton.
INTERESTS: Likes rap music and some rock, hanging out with his friends and trying hard in school. Is a big fan of ESPN shows “Around the Horn” and “PTI.”
FUTURE PLANS: Will pick a college for academics, but if his school offers him a chance to play golf, he’ll be more than happy to accommodate it.
FAVORITE GOLFER: Tiger Woods
PARENTS: Chuck and Peggy Clum
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Filed by Kevin Aprile | The Chronicle-Telegram September 23rd, 2008 in Sports. Popularity: 2% |
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