Staff Writer
HODGDON — A new coach is leading the Hodgdon golf team on the links this season. Mike Fleming takes over the program from Dave Grant, who moved on to coach the Houlton varsity golf program.
The Hawks have a variety of underclassmen and talented returning players on this year’s roster. Hodgdon features senior Chris Wallace; juniors Jeff Wheeler, Josh Ganzel, Jordan Wilson, Greg Griffin and Derrick Ellis; sophomore Ashley Wallace; and freshman Kendrick Wilson.
LINING IT UP — Hodgdon senior Chris Wallace takes his time to line up his putt during last week’s match against Ashland. Wallace was low medalist with a score of 37.
Wallace is the most experienced golfer, but Ganzel has also been with the team for the past three seasons.
“I have played golf since I was 13 years old,” Fleming said. “It is a lifetime sport as opposed to soccer or basketball. I really enjoy the game and you can play it all levels.”
Fleming said he was approached by Grant to apply for the golf coach position. Fleming knew a couple of the players on the team and figured he would try his hand at coaching this season. It is his first time coaching students.
“I’m learning as I go,” he said. “My thing is learning to balance being their friend and being their coach. I’ve enjoyed it so far and I think I have earned the respect of the kids.”
CHIPPER — Hodgdon’s Ashley Wallace chips the ball onto the green during a recent match against Ashland.
Fleming said his goal is to have his young charges perfect their putting skills.
“The biggest skill they need is the short game,” he said. “It’s not just hitting the ball and watching it run. You have to figure out how hard to hit it.”
Against Ashland Friday, the Hawks picked up a 9.5 to 1.5 victory over the visiting Hornets. The stroke total was Hodgdon 191, Ashland 204.
Wallace was the low medalist on the day, shooting a 37. Other Hodgdon golf scores were: Ganzel, 47; Wallace, 51; Wilson, 56; and Griffin, 65.
Mark Corella was Ashland’s top golfer with a 39.
