McDonough 20 1/2, Boys' Latin 1/2

From small seeds grow mighty trees. Such is the case with the McDonough golf team. At the end of 2003, McDonough hadn’t won a single match in four seasons. They were understandably irritated with the reality of their position – but they were also motivated to improve. With the 2003 roster full of freshmen and sophomores, McDonough embarked on a multi-year improvement plan.

2006 finds McDonough 7-3 thusfar, and a play-off spot seems likely. Their success is reflective of a focus, discipline, and attitude than was birthed through the pains of defeat. The Lakers are in a position to learn from this progression – and to find inspiration in the achievement of their conference peers. How else is there to look at the future for this team of Laker golfers? What else can the future hold for a group of men who work so hard and persevere so diligently than a rigorous and celebrated climb to the top – one that not just mirrors, but in the end out-matches that of any other turn-around accomplished in the MIAA? As this team matures – as it grows from freshmen and sophomores into juniors and seniors - the taste of victory will be that much sweeter for those involved.

One of McDonough’s victories this season came at the expense of Boys’ Latin on Tuesday as both teams teed it up in a competition contested over the links at Suburban Country Club. The Lakers competed fiercely – never giving in to the pressures of losing ground. In the end, McDonough secured all but ½ of a point for the day – however, it was anything but an easy victory. The Laker line-up proved a formidable opponent for McDonough, and battled fiercely throughout the day.

Short game, along with focus, on-course judgment, and misguided frustration were once again what plagued Boys’ Latin Tuesday. Two hundred eighty yard drives were not a problem. In fact, from tee to green the Lakers proved to be as strong as ever against McDonough. However, once inside one hundred yards, the struggles began. The feel and touch associated with executing these types of shots can only come with experience – something that more than half the Laker squad is currently building. In the meantime however, patience remains a virtue.

Boys’ Latin, still without a victory for the season, heads into the final three matches of the year - facing Archbishop Curley, Calvert Hall and John Carroll before refocusing full attention on the Individual Stroke Play Championship. Suffice it to say that the team is ready to secure a win, and motivated like never before to make certain that it happens.