As the 2006 season concluded for the Boys' Latin Laker Golf Team, it would have been relatively easy for a casual observer to note the team's 0-11 record as a sign of an unfortuante season. However, such judgement would have been misplaced and quite short-sighhted.
A lack of competitive experience meant that the Lakers were slated for significant tournament golf growth. Although many things can be taught on the lesson tee and during on-course practice sessions, many components of competitive maturity can only be picked up during matches. Considering that of the Lakers starting six players, only two had competed previously in more than one competitive match, Boys' Latin was slated to participate in a sizable team-focused learning curve.
And learn they did - as well as improve.
The average member of the Lakers starting six decreased their average score in 2006 by 16.33 strokes. Boosted in large part by dramatic game-advancement by freshmen Kevin Foreman who improved from an average score of 115 to 90 and Gates Blair who fell from a 125 scoring average to an 85 average, the quantifiable improvement continued from the previous year when the Lakers had seen scoring average improvement of over 17 shots across its varsity squad.
Foreman brings with him not only the ability to compete, but also the knack to lead. Respected by peers 2-3 grades his senior, he is the consumate humble competitor. Buried beneath his smile and aw-shucks persona is the gut of a warrior. Reminiscent in this light of an late-1970's Tom Watson, Kevin Foreman is as deserving of the "Huckleberry Dillinger" title as the five time British Open Champion - at least on the linksland of the MIAA. Coach Champion believes that Kevin Foreman has the ability to become not only one of the top players in the conference, but one of its finest leaders.
Gates Blair walked away from the 2006 season as the team's most improved member. The aforementioned 40 shot decrease in average score was only part of the advancement. Blair's mental game showed even greater improvement by season's end. Hampered at the beginning of the year by struggles with confidence and on-course mental errors, Blair matured quickly in competition and birthed a new level of self-understanding that assisted in his growth as a player. The last 25% of the season found the Laker freshman with a new aresenal of professional-grade "shots and thoughts" - the powerful one-two punch of physical game conditioning and mental game aptitude. This development now secured, the years to come will no doubt find Blair moving quickly up the ranks of the MIAA's finest competitive golfers.
Sophomore Patrick Hohman moved into the #2 slot for most of the season - a significant jump for the lanky yet firery competitor who spent the previous season anchored in the #6 position for the Lakers. "I'm ready for it," Patrick said of his promotion at the season's start, "I'm excited to compete at a higher level." His enthusiasm did not go unserved as Hohman battled at the top of the bracket throughout the season - sometimes moving into the #1 slot at times when his game reflected peak form. Early in the season Hohman's fifteen year old mind showed its age with some on-course mental miss-fires and game management errors; but with each mis-step of judgement came a lesson learned; and it wasn't long before the Laker stand-out reflected the mental maturity and competitive judgement of a seasoned player twice his age. Coach Champion believes that the time ahead will find Patrick Hohman on top of the conference with a winning style all is own - that of a firey charge and a disciplined competitive mind.
Junior Ian Obligin assumed a leadership role mid-way through the season that found him guiding teammates on and off the course. His own game having improved significantly throughout the season, he split time with senior Michael Gallagher in the #4 slot. Obligin's ability to accel in casual golf appeared to translate into success in competition when he was able to assume the same level of comfort under fire. Never easy to do - and rarely seen on professional levels save the likes of Lee Trevino, Peter Jacobson and Sergio Garcia - Obligin's personable nature and stop-and-smell-the-roses style both distracts and frustrates competitors. It was enough to help the first year starter earn a handful of split decisions throughout the season. 2007 would be Obligin's senior year - and his 4th season as a member of the squad. Should he make the team in the Spring, his presence on and off the course will no doubt bring a welcome component to the team's personality.
Seniors Michael Gallagher and Stuart Mitchell leave Boys' Latin having made an indellible mark on the golf program. Mitchell, a two year member of the Laker squad and Gallagher a three year participant both battled throughout the season in the mid-slots of #s 3 & 4. Mitchell's long drives and Gallagher's soft-hands around the greens combined to dazzle on-lookers throughtout the season. Gallagher's late-season charge and improvement is worthy of note as well - in one particular home match he nearly eagled two holes in an impressive six hole run. Mitchell's ability to step-up his game to his competition found him grinding in some tight battles on more an a few occasions. No doubt, these two Lakers will both will be missed in the years to come.
Captain Stuart Naeny finished his senior year having battled throughout the season in the #1 slot. His own game improvement was strong and his ability to lead others was evident throughout his tenure as Captain. "Bulldog" had moved from #6 in 2004 to #3 in 2005 before finally realizing his calling as the top Laker on the links in 2006. At season's end, he had secured recognition by the coaches as one of the team's finest leaders - joining the ranks of Patrick Knott, and Ian Spier as All-Star Team Captains. Naeny heads to Miami of Ohio in the Fall. His presence on the team will be missed; however his positive impact on the Laker Golf Program will be felt for a long time.
Coach Champion has a gameplan for the 2007 Season that is already underway. Off-season improvement is more than evident in the games of Hohman, Foreman and Blair; and a new crop of up-and-comers is rising up quickly for the Laker Golf Program. It will be a young team in 2007, but a team full of promise and significant achievement. The light at the tunnel's end is burning bright for Boys' Latin; and the coaches can't wait to get things underway.
