Sports Reporter
PRESQUE ISLE — The Wildcat golf team is off to another strong start and look to be one of the top teams in the Penobscot Valley Conference once again, but coach James York has been most impressed with the desire of his team members to improve their game every day.
“They have a willingness to accept constructive criticism and have a near-constant desire to get better,” said York, in his sixth season as the head coach of the squad. “This game can beat you in many different ways and no matter how many good and bad days we have, this group is always ready to know more about what will make them better golfers.”
The 2010 team had an outstanding season by going 8-1, placing first in its division and at the PVC championships, while placing fifth in the Class B state tournament held at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro. Travis Dyer, Alex Tuttle and Jordan Hallett graduated and will be missed, but the talent level on the 2011 Wildcats is high once again.
“I feel very confident about this group and believe we will be a strong presence at the regional qualifier,” York said.
The team is led by senior Evan Waddell, a fourth-year athlete who York said is “very focused and experienced in competitive golf.”
“He has become a good team leader who sets a good example for his teammates and has been an integral part of his team’s success,” York said.
Junior Adam Flynn, in his third year with the squad, qualified for last year’s individual state championship tourney, also held at Natanis.
“Adam is a strong-minded player who is confident in his ability and practices good course management day in and day out,” said the coach.
Connor Shaw has joined the team as a senior and has become one of the Wildcats’ top performers.
“He is a good ball striker who plays like someone who has been on the team three or four years,” York said. “He has a great sense of humor and does a pretty good job of not letting the game get to him too much.”
Cody Merrill, another fourth-year golfer, has helped fill the void left by the departure of Dyer, Tuttle and Hallett.
“He has fought very hard to get into the top five and sets a great example for the younger players in terms of course etiquette and dedication,” York said.
Gabe Player is, according to York, “by far the most improved player over the past few years, shaving off about 10 strokes on his average during that time.” His coach said Player “works extremely hard to get better in every area of the game, and puts the time in to understand course management.
“I’m very proud of how hard Gabe has worked these past few years,” York added.
Matt Sullivan, in his second year on the team, has also made great strides in his game.
“He fights very hard to earn a starting spot and his work ethic has my utmost respect and certainly does not go unnoticed,” York said.
Other team members are sophomores Karson Eaton, Carter LaPointe, Taylor Willey, Mike Boone and Liam Hughes and freshman Jenna Hallett.
York, who is assisted by Marie Waddell, said Presque Isle Country Club professional Barry Madore is another key cog in the success of the Wildcats.
“Barry has been a huge asset in providing his expertise and knowledge to my players, not to mention the generosity he and the club provide to our team,” York said.
Presque Isle won both of its pre-season matches (over Central Aroostook and Mattanawcook) and is a perfect 3-0 in regular-season play by collecting victories over County rivals Houlton, Fort Kent and Caribou. York is counting on more of the same the rest of the way.
“I hope that we continue to do what we are doing and our goal is to get them well prepared physically and mentally for the regional state qualifier [Sept. 29 at JaTo Highlands in Lincoln],” York said. “We will be playing that course a few times before the qualifier, so that will also help better prepare us for what will certainly be a competitive day.”
