Sports Editor
With essentially its entire roster back, the Central Aroostook golf team could be poised for a breakout season on the links this fall.
Coach Adam Metzler is entering his second year as the Panthers head golf coach and has high hopes for the team this fall.
“We have a very strong team for the upcoming season,” coach Metzler said. “Our team is a little smaller then last year, but with some individual improvement over the summer and preseason, we are going to be a much stronger team”
The Panther roster includes seniors Tim Lawrence, Will Delong, and Abe Brewer; juniors Kaine Kingsbury and Logan McLaughlin; and sophomore Zach Wilcox. All six golfers saw varsity playing time last year. Lost to graduation were Shawn McIntyre and T.J. Turley.
Central Aroostook is coming off a solid 6-2 campaign. The Panthers placed second in the County tournament and seventh at states.
Kingsbury was the lone Panther who qualified for the Individual State Tournament last year and coach Metzler expects big things from him this year.
“Kaine’s strengths are his accuracy and mental approach to the game,” the coach said. “He is also a very determined golfer who works on improving his game each and every round.”
McLaughlin, a first-year golfer with lots of talent, has proven to be a solid in matches thus far.
Delong is one of the more consistent golfers for the team, according to his coach, and brings a strong mental approach to the game.
“He is a wonderful team player that likes to make sure everyone is having a good time,” Metzler said.
Brewer is another senior who should provide veteran leadership for the team. His best attribute, according to the coach, is his positive attitude.
“We are entering this season very confidently as we have been practicing hard and we are looking to a great season with some very high expectations,” the coach said.
The Panthers main competition has been Katahdin, which was the only team to beat Central Aroostook last season. Katahdin went on to take first place in the County championship. This year, the Panthers are also playing Ashland and Limestone, two teams they did not have an opportunity to face last year.
Staff photo/Joseph Cyr
Chipping the ball towards the green of the third hole is Panther Luke McGlaughlin during Thursday’s match with Fort Fairfield.
