As schools start to swing into action again, so does the Wheeling Park Boys Golf Team. Some might even say the greens are calling once again for the Patriots to tee off for another successful season. With new freshmen on the team as well as upperclassmen returning for a season, the boys are working hard. Practices and matches have resumed on local courses as well as from the surrounding states, such as PA and Ohio.
“We’ve had an up-and-down season. Some matches we play well and other matches we play not so well, but overall our outlook is pretty good, “said Coach Headley. “We keep our eye on the prize, and we want to do well on OVAC, and we want to do well for the regional to qualify for the state. We get better every match.”
The team won their first match on September 10th by beating John Marshall by 20, Wheeling Central by 20, and Linsly by 34. Although they just won their first match, it’s not a good reflection of how well they have played this season. They have finished fourth in a twenty-team tournament in Zanesville and fourth in a thirty-team tournament against all the best teams in West Virginia and all classifications. They also beat the Division 1 state champions in a match in August. Andrew Pennybacker has consistently led the team, averaging a 75 for the season, and he has been a metalist three times this season.
Alongside the challenging courses, joining a new team as a freshman can also be testing, with everyone already having years together. However, new freshman Seth Weidner has blended right into the team, from high scores to new friendships, as well as building family relationships.
“The beginning of the season was pretty good, but I think we can improve in the future weeks. It’s fun playing with upperclassmen who mentored me throughout the season, like Andrew Pennybacker and Will Koegler,” said Weidner.
Golf is a great way to build new friendships and make memories that will last a lifetime,
“My best memory, I have to say, is the first tournament we had when we woke up at 4 am for an away match to Ohio, and I shot my best score of 77,” said Weidner.
Upperclassmen have been excelling in the season. From their signature swing to perfecting their puts, upperclassmen such as Will Koegler, Brody Groome, and Andrew Pennybacker have guided the underclassmen through these grueling matches. Despite being upperclassmen, they still have their own challenges, like Brody Groome, who plays for both Varsity and JV.
“We’ve won some matches and we’ve lost some by a few, but I think we’re going to make a good run this year at states. It’s just always fun, like going out to eat with the team. Everyone gets along well; it’s fun times,” said junior, Brody Groome.
While it is saddening to see, this is the seniors last year; most of them have been on the team since their freshman year. Creating a relationship with the coaches and players, as well as others from other schools such as Wheeling Central, John Marshall, and Linsly, next year, there will definitely be big shoes to fill.
“The seasons have been pretty good. I average like 78 most of the time, which is 6 over. I’m looking forward to our chances at the state championship because we have me and Andrew as seniors and then a couple of good young players,” said Will Koegler.
Overall, this season promises to be exciting for Wheeling Park’s golf teams, with a strong combination of new talent, experienced players, and dedicated coaching. Everyone is working toward making this year memorable and successful as they develop both as athletes and individuals.
Next, they play today in Canton, Ohio, in a twenty-team tournament, then coming up on Thursday, September 18th, at the Jones course at Oglebay for the 5A OVACs tournament.
