Boys' Latin vs St. Paul's ~ Post Match Summary

Boys' Latin faced perennial conference contender, St. Paul's on Friday - in a home match that found the Lakers once again fighting illness as much as the competition.

With Kevin Foreman removed from the line-up and starters Ian Obligin & A.J. Billig battling sickness, Boys' Latin took to the course yet again with a non-traditional line-up of starters.

"The final score today is not as important as your ability to dig deep within yourself - past the discomfort and the weariness of illness - and find it within your gut to fight hard in your last home match of the season," the coaches communicated to the team prior to the match's kick-off. "We expect from you that you will fight hard, with the ferocity of a determinted team - that you will rise up and fail to heed the voice in your head that says 'you're tired, it's over, just quit, just give up.' Do your best today. Fight hard. Remain focused. And don't give up."

That guidance seemed to stay with the Lakers throughout their match - and Boys' Latin went on to produce their finest showing against St. Paul's since entering the conference four years ago.

As is often the case, the final score did not reflect the close nature of the match itself. In fact, the Lakers held their ground agaist St. Paul's deep into the match's second half - and at one point late in the match appeared positioned to assume the lead. Alas, in the end Boys' Latin would fall on the unfortunate side of the match's outcome; but day's end found the Lakers having served up a strong fight and a respectible showing nonetheless.

Notable mention for the day goes to A.J. Billig - who played in his fourth straight match while also battling sickness. A.J.'s "play hurt" mentality served match after match as a point of inspiration for the team - lifting the Lakers individually and as a team to new heights of belief and aspiration. That A.J. went on to collect two points against St. Paul's only added to the admiration from his teammates and coaches. A.J. faced his opponent with determination and focus - and in doing so, collected points for winning the match's front half and total.

Additional mention of note is given to Ian Obligin for collecting two and a half points in his match. The Boys' Latin Senior was competing in his final home match as a Laker - and did so in classic fashion, by collecting two and a half points from his opponent. A member of the Laker Golf Team for four years, Obligin's achievement in his final match served as proper closure for a high school golf experience that has yielded significant growth and development.

The Lakers ended the day by yielding a victory to St. Pauls - but also in doing so proved to themselves that they have the fight within themselves to achieve, on and off the golf course. Team members will now prepare for the MIAA Individual Tournament and for the final match of the season against Mt. St. Joe on May 7th.

Final Score: Boys' Latin: 4.5 / St. Paul's 16.5

MIAA Individuals ~ Details Announced

The MIAA Conference Individual Tournament begins next week. The three-round, individual stroke play event finds the top golfers in the conference competing for the championship across three different area courses: Mount Pleasant Golf Course, Pine Ridge Golf Course, and Hayfields Country Club.

Six Lakers are scheduled to compete. Senior Ian Obligin, Junior Patrick Hohman, Sophomore Gates Blair, and Freshmen A.J. Billig, Brenden Schwartz and Ben Whitman are all slated to participate in the event.

Monday will find the Lakers playing Round 1 at Mt. Pleasant Golf Course. A cut will follow, and Round 2 (scheduled for Wednesday, May 2nd) will find the remaining participants at Pine Ridge Golf Course. A second cut will follow Round 2, with qualifiers advancing to the Final Round on May 8th (to be held at Hayfields Country Club).

Participants will be excused from classes collectively at 12:00 Noon on Monday - and are responsible for their own transportation to and from the course (click here for directions: http://www.bmgcgolf.com/baltimore.asp?id=502&page=25863#directions).

Tee Times for Monday are as follows:

Patrick Hohman: 1:18 PM
Ben Whitman: 1:26 PM
Gates Blair: 1:34 PM
Brenden Schwartz: 1:42 PM
A.J. Billig: 1:50 PM
Ian Obligin: 2:14 PM

With the momentum of a hard-fought season carrying them, the Lakers promise to post a solid showing at the Conference Indidividual Tournament.

Boys' Latin vs John Carroll ~ Post Match Summary

When Kevin Foreman met his team on the practice green at Suburban Country Club yesterday afternoon, his face flushed pale in its complexion and voice gravely from throat irritation, he greeted his coaches with a wry smile and the statement “I’m not 100%, but I’m ready.”

The Laker Sophomore had been sidelined with illness throughout the week – and had bore the burden of missing matches against both Calvert Hall and Loyola. His absence, as well as that of other teammates hampered by sickness, had challenged Boys’ Latin this week in its ability to readjust the line-up for competition.

The previous day had found Senior Ian Obligin inspiring the Team with his willingness to compete while ill – a “play hurt” mentality that deepened the endearment between himself and a team that already saw him as a leader. Even earlier in the week it was Freshman, A.J. Billig who took to the course with aches and pains, while also anchoring the respect of his teammates. Today, it was Kevin Foreman’s turn to lift his teammates with inspiration. And do so he did, in classic fashion. Kevin walked the fairways with a wheeze in his breath and with a plodding pace that appeared to take more energy out of him with each step. But his hat was pulled low and his eyes were fixed forward. And when Kevin Foreman won his match’s front half, the coaches found themselves moved by the strength and character inherent to the effort that produced the victory.

With determination buoyed by their teammate’s inspirational attitude, the Lakers went on to stage one of their best performances of the season.

Junior Patrick Hohman won each of the first six holes, to close his opponent out and win the match’s first half. Hohman then went on to win the back half and the total match, while also collecting the Team Point with partner, Ben Whitman. In a personal-best for the season, Hohman shot one-over-par for the day – and secured some much needed points early for the Lakers.

Freshman, Ben Whitman also won the front, back and total matches for the day – and also did so while shooting one-over-par for the day. Whitman continues his drastic improvement for the season – reflective of a ten stroke drop in scoring average for the year.

Sophomore Gates Blair rallied from two-down with two to play, and won each of the front half’s final two holes en route to securing a vital half point for the Lakers. Blair demonstrated grace under pressure during those final two holes – reflective of his maturity as a competitor, and his growing ability as a player.

Not to be outdone, Freshman Brenden Schwartz rallied from three-down with three to play, and won each of the front half’s final three holes. In this achievement, Schwartz halved the match’s front side and secured an extremely-important half point for Boys’ Latin. Schwartz went on to battle through the match’s second half – and split the outcome with his competitor, notching a total of one and a half points for the Lakers. After the round, the coaches agreed that Schwartz’s comeback on the front half of the match was unprecedented and ranks as one of the finest come-from-behind victories in Laker Golf history.

In the end, Boys’ Latin secured their third victory of the season – and defeated John Carroll in an inspirational match that found the Lakers digging deep to find substance and means in the face of sickness and adversity.

As Kevin Foreman might have said, “We weren’t 100%...but we were ready.”

Final Score: Boys’ Latin: 12 / John Carroll: 9

Boys' Latin vs Loyola ~ Post Match Summary

Continuing with their struggle against illness, the Lakers faced off against Loyola on Wednesday, April 25th. With half the team sick and unable to participate, the coaching staff believed that simply fielding a full squad of 6 players would prove to be a challenge in and of itself. A few minuntes before gametime however, Laker Senior Ian Obligin hobbled onto the course - his golf clubs flung over his shoulder and his pockets stuffed with medication and tissues. "I'm here Coach," he said in a raspy, hoarse voice beleaguered by days of illness, "Let's go get 'em."

Ian's presence served as inspiration to his teammates - an indication of staunch willpower and unwavering focus. It lifted the spirits of his fellow peers and reinforced the notion that the Lakers, however strained by the impacts of poor health, had no plans of raising the flag of surrender.

The results of the ensuing match found Boys' Latin on the unfortunate side of the day's final score. However, along with this came a increase in self-belief, an improved understanding of group perseverance, and an even deeper desire to taste victory yet again in the upcoming matches.

"Today's loss only makes me want tomorrow's win that much more," said Sophomore Gates Blair, "The past two days have shown me that we really do have a united team - and that inspires me to work harder in order to win in future matches." Wise words from one of the Team's young leaders.

Beyond Ian Obligin, additional notable mention goes to Brenden Schwartz and Ben Whitman.

The Freshman Schwartz, found himself playing in the #4 slot - two positions ahead of his regular position; and proceeded to halve the match's front side. In doing so, he secured a half point for the Lakers en route to once again proving to himself and the Team that he is ready for competitive golf. Schwartz continues to impress his teammates with his ability to play within himself in order to achieve - an trait that will serve him well on and off the golf course in the time ahead.

Whitman, also a Freshman, repositioned his mentality midway through the match in order to turn the tide on his opponent. Having lost 5 of the first 6 holes, Whitman's confidence had fallen and he was facing early elimination on the total match. However, he chose to lift himself up and rededicate himself in the holes that remained. With this new reconstruction of mentality, Whitman won the match's second half and secured the only full point of the day for the Lakers.

In due time, team members will return to health and find themselves back in true form. In the meantime, they continue to face their opponents as well as inclement weather, while also balancing sickness and physical weakness. The coaching staff is proud of the resilience and dedication to achievement displayed by the varsity squad - and remains confident that in its discipline and its comraderie, the Laker Golf Team has its greatest vehicles for achievement.

Final Score: Boys' Latin: 1.5 / Loyola 19.5

Boys' Latin vs Calvert Hall ~ Post Match Summary

Beset by significant misfortune, the Lakers found half the Varsity Squad overcome by illness on Tuesday - forcing a third of the Team to miss the match altogether. With multiple team members removed from the match and just as many competiting while also fighting sickness, the Lakers faced off against Calvert Hall with as much grit and pride as could be produced given the circumstances.

Deserving of mention are the efforts of A.J. Billig, who fought his way through his match while also managing congestion, headache, and physical weakness. His team-first mentality went a long way in endearing himself to his peers - and reinforced A.J. as a selfless leader within the ranks of the Laker Golf Team.

As well, Patrick Hohman battled his way to securing 2.5 points for the Lakers - and in doing so, combined with Ben Whitman to secure a half point within the better-ball team match. Patrick's course-management was sensible with periodic points of aggression - and proved to be the perfect combination of intention for the Laker Junior.

Brenden Schwartz, competiting in his third match of the season posted a personal-best 46 on the front nine of his match. Schwartz, a Freshman, continues to show promise for the time ahead - and the Lakers remain confident that the future remains bright for this young stand-out.

Sam Dunbar competed in his first match and produced a respectable showing. The Team remains proud of Sam for his dedication and overall positive attitude.

As sickness is seldom cured overnight, the remainder of the Team's longest week appears to be paved with ongoing challenge - as team members continue the slow road to physical wellness. In the meantime, the Team's remaining members have rallied to show their dedication to their cause and the belief in their own abilities.

The Coaches remain confident that given the proper posture of inspiration, the Lakers can overcome any obstacle - and continue to be positive regarding the week's remaining match-ups.


Final Score: Boys' Latin: 4.5 / Calvert Hall: 16.5

Boys' Latin vs Archbishop Spalding ~ Post Match Summary

Boys' Latin traveled to Chartwell Country Club to face Archbishop Spalding on April 19th. The afternoon found the Lakers carried by the momentum of their recent win over Archbishop Curley one day prior.

The day produced respectable showings from many Laker Team members. Equivalent scores of 75 from Patrick Hohman, 77 from Ben Whitman, 82 from Gates Blair and 86 from A.J. Billig were posted on Chartwell's challenging layout - solid numbers from players who had never seen the course previously.

Archbishop Spalding assumed control of their home course advantage, however - and handed the Lakers their 4th loss of the season. In doing so however, they made a point to communicate their respect for the progress of the Boys' Latin Golf Team. "It's remarkable what's been done with the BL program over the past few years," Spalding Head Coach Pete Van Zandt told the Laker Coaching Staff, "Your boys are better presented, better teammates, better gentlemen, and oh by the way, better players." He continued to compliment the Laker Golf Program and its progress within the conference - citing additional positive impressions in talent, conduct and overall appearance. The compliments were relayed to the Team later in the day - and carried with them the weight of reassurance in the Lakers quest for success.

Traveling back from Chartwell Country Club, the team engaged in conversation about the day's experience - discussing points of strength as well as areas of improvement. Consensus found the Lakers agreeing that for the first time all season...they felt like a team. Each member knew and understood his role. Each member recognized his place on the squad - and worked to improve the Team's progress by doing his own personal best within his allocated space. Team members rooted for each other, praised each other, and encouraged each other. The Coaching staff observed this unity and recognized it as the season's most affirming and potentially most important achievement. "With this type of bond in place," Coach Euker told the Team, "there's nothing you can't accomplish."

In light of this newfound strength, Boys' Latin remains committed to their objectives and heads into next week prepared for the four matches that await them. There appears to be little doubting the Team's unified desire to achieve - and the days ahead continue to offer promise for the Lakers.


Final Score: Boys' Latin: 2.5 / Archbishop Spalding: 18.5

Boys' Latin vs Archbishop Curley ~ Post Match Summary

The Lakers played host to Archbishop Curley on Wednesday, April 18th. In a match contested over the links of Suburban Country Club, the Lakers defeated the Friars in a come-from-behind victory that notched the Team's second victory of the season.

Following the completion of the match's first half, the Lakers found themselves trailing by a full point. Rather than focus on their unfortunate position, Boys' Latin instead re-anchored themselves in purpose and battled their way back into contention - before finally overcoming their opponents late in the match's second half.

Notable performances for the day included:

AJ Billig - who in playing to his strengths and remaining focused on his course management, overtook his opponent in all point categories. The Laker Freshman swept all three points and assisted greatly in anchoring victory for Boys' Latin. With newfound comfort in his driver, AJ continued his assault from the tee, hole after hole at Suburban Country Club.

Gates Blair - who collected two and a half points by managing both his swing and his mind with equal efficiency throughout the afternoon. With a one-up lead on both the second half and the total match, Gates stood on the par five twelvth hole needing to guard his lead in order to secure victory. Undaunted, he faced the par five twelfth hole with ease - executing three solid shots en route to recording a par - and in doing so, notched his win accordingly.

Ben Whitman - who, for the second time in as many days, rerouted himself following a string of lost holes in order to refocus and overtake his opponent. Having lost the first half of the match, Ben seemed destined to continue struggling in the match's second half. Ben however, had different plans. His focused renewed and his purpose reaffirmed, he proceeded to play the remaining holes at even par - and in the end secured two points by winning the second half and the total match.

Brenden Schwartz - who, playing in his first match, secured two and a half points for Boys' Latin. The Laker Freshman brings a dogged focus and calm demeanor to the Team that has been well recevied by teammates and proved to be frustrating by the competition. In closing out his opponent on the eleventh hole - thereby securing victory on the back half and the total match - Brenden secured the final points required for a Laker win over Archbishop Curley. In what was quite possibly the greatest first-ever performance from a Laker Golf Team Member, Brenden Schwartz proved to his peers, and more importantly to himself, that he has what it takes to compete in the M.I.A.A.

The Lakers travel to Chartwell Country Club in Severna Park on April 19th to face off against Archbishop Spalding. With momentum carried forward from their victory over the Friars, the Lakers appear well-poised for the time ahead - and remain resolute in their intention to continue their climb up the Conference rankings.


Final Score: Boys' Latin: 12 / Archbishop Curley: 9

Boys' Latin vs McDonogh ~ Post Match Summary

The Lakers traveled to Woodholme Country Club to face McDonogh on April 17th. The day found both teams combating not only each other but also Mother Nature during a round that found compeitiors struggling to stay warm in the face of heightened wind gusts and rapidly decreasing temperatures.

The Lakers offered a solid showing against McDonogh - with AJ Billig leading the charge. The Laker Freshman hit all but one fairway against his opponent, and battled his way through an afternoon of staunch competition.

Peer Freshman Ben Whitman fell to three down after his opponent birdied the first two holes. Nontheless, Whitman rallied to birdie both #4 and #5 in addition to notching a par on the 6th hole in order to split the front six with a half point.

Junior Patrick Hohman secured a half point against his opposition, and Sophomore Kevin Foreman notched victory in the #4 slot for the back nine - securing the only full point for the team that day.

In the end, the Lakers were on the unfortunate side of a very lopsided score - one that does not clearly reflect the true battle of the day (as most points were collected in the final holes of the match). Regardless, the Lakers remain optimistic about the time ahead; and are eagerly awaiting their upcoming match against Archbishop Curley.


Final Score: Boys' Latin: 2 / McDonogh: 19

Saint Paul's Match Rescheduled

The match against Saint Paul's (originally scheduled for April 16th) has been rescheduled for Friday, April 27th. The match will take place at Suburban and have a start time of 3:15 PM.

Boys' Latin vs Gilman ~ Post Match Summary

The Lakers traveled to Elkridge Golf & Hunt Club on Tuesday, April 10th in order to square-off against perennial conference stalwart, Gilman. Boys' Latin arrived with the taste of victory still fresh from their recent win over Saint Mary's - and hoped to maintain momentum heading into the arena of battle against Gilman.

Alas, such hopes were pressed thin by day's end; and the Greyhouds of Gilman secured all but one point against the Lakers. However, the day was not without achievement for Boys' Latin - as the team notched another competitive experience in their belt; and will move forward in the season with an increased knowledge base yielded from recent tournament pressure.

Notable mention is due to Laker, Mitchell Edison - who competed in his first match. Edison, a Varsity Team Member for 3 years, had a respectible showing against his competitior, Tyler Ebeling. In the end, though his match would end in defeat, Edison found solace in recognizing his accomplishment of making the starting squad - in a match against one of the conference's toughest teams, nonetheless. Both The Golf Team and The School remain proud of Mitchell Edison, not only for his disciplines of success, but also for his goodheartedness and positive mentality.

The weeks ahead will find the Lakers playing 4 straight matches followed by 3 straight matches - a time period that will no doubt be rugged and tiring for team members. However, this team remains strong in their focus and firm in the resolve. In such light, they do not appear willing to surrender nor do they seem ready to stop their march forward. It is in this intention that the Lakers have rooted their greatest asset - one that will no doubt serve them well in the days to come.


Final Score: Boys' Latin: 1 / Gilman: 20

Practice Details: Friday, April 6th and Monday, April 9th

Practice will not be held on Friday, April 6th.

As a reminder, The Lakers are unable to practice at Suburban Country Club on Fridays in April (see practice schedule). In the weeks ahead, the Lakers will instead participate in Team Building Events on Fridays - events that will find them meeting at locations other than the golf course. Details of these events will be announced in the days ahead.

Practice will be held on Monday, April 9th from 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM for all Varsity Members and Managers. Attendance is mandatory in light of the upcoming match against Gilman on Tuesday, April 10th. Bullpen Squad A Members will have practice from 4:45 PM - 6:30 PM on Monday.

Wisdom from Science & Architecture ~ Unique Laker Lessons at Baltimore Country Club

On Thursday, April 5th the Lakers journeyed to Baltimore Country Club at Five Farms for a unique game improvement experience. PGA Director of Instruction Joe Plecker held a group session at the Club's Indoor Learning Center for Varsity Squad and Managers - a session that found each team member completing an individual analysis with the Science And Motion (SAM) Putting System.

The SAM System is the premier computer putting analysis system in the world today - and relies on ultrasound (rather than video feed) in order to offer precise readings of a golfer's path, clubface position and pace. Each component is analyzied to a fraction of a degree, with results communicated back to the golfer in the form of a digital print-out for their records. The SAM System is preferred by both Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam. Baltimore Country Club's SAM System is one of only 40 such systems in the United States at present.

Team Members spent the 90 minute session learning a great deal about their putting strokes - and left with newfound understanding relating to paths to improvement. The Lakers were indeed fortunate to have participated in such a comprehensive analysis; and a great deal of thanks is extended to PGA Director of Instruction Joe Plecker for his hospitality and insight.

Following the completion of the putting analysis, The Lakers completed a walking tour of the famed East Course at Baltimore Country Club. This experience found the team spending 90 minutes exploring the notable layout - which has in its past played host to five major championships, and which will host the Champions Tour Senior Players Championship for the next four years. The tour of the course found the Team learning a great deal about golf course architecture, design, style and playability. Team Members engaged in conversation about recent improvements to the course layout, and discussed strategies for playing countless shots around the A.W. Tillinghaust designed East Course.

A special thank you is awarded to PGA Head Golf Professional Greg Jones for his permission to tour the East Course. Mr. Jones' hospitality and generosity were most certainly appreciated by all members of the Team.

At the end of the day, the Boys' Latin Golf Team had significantly increased their understanding of their putting strokes and golf course design. Their knowledge base continues to expand as they progress into the heart of the competitive season.

Boys' Latin vs Saint Mary's ~ Post Match Summary

Following a two hour bus ride, the Lakers arrived to Old South Country Club seemingly well prepared to challenge conference rival, Saint Mary's. In light of their strong showing against Saints Peter & Paul last week, the Boys' Latin squad found new confidence in their games and fresh determination in their collective spirit. Their ambition reginerated and their purpose newly anchored, the Lakers stood ready to give their best against a team that had upset them in a devastating loss the year prior.

That focus appeared to drain from the Lakers through the first six holes, however - and Boys' Latin found themselves trailing Saint Mary's 2-4 at the match's midway point. As the first half of a match tends to set the pace for the remainder of the day, the Lakers found themselves in need of a comeback in order to inject new life into the day's competition.

And come back they did - in classic fashion.

With stern focus and dogged discipline the Lakers proceeded to grind their way back into contention. One by one they bore down, firm in their resolve to turn the tide on Saint Mary's. Recalling lessons learned in countless hours of practice, each team member put trust in their swing, their strategy and their ability - postured in the belief that in giving their best they could not fail.

With their focus reestablished, the Lakers did indeed capture the momentum in the match's second half - and in doing so, fueled a come-from-behind victory that thwarted Saint Mary's efforts to upset them for a second time in as many years.

At day's end, members of the Boys' Latin Golf Team removed their hats and shook hands with their opposition after having secured their first victory of the season.

The day provided essential fuel for the team's fire - and the Lakers remain resolute in their focus for the time ahead. Victory's taste having invigorated their spirit, Boys' Latin appears as hungry as ever for achievement.


Final Score: Boys' Latin: 11.5 / Saint Mary's: 9.5