By Kristi McDevitt
Sports Writer
Oxford varsity golf is in the midst of a rebuilding phase, but first year head coach Terry Kelley is very optimistic about his team’s chances of doing some damage in the league this year.
The junior varsity coach for nine years, Kelley is taking over the varsity coaching position after the sudden death of long-time varsity coach Don Lovell this past spring. Lovell’s son, John, will be replacing Kelley at the JV level.
Last year, the varsity golf team placed last in the Flint Metro League, but the returnees and the newcomers to the team have already made a lot of improvement to assure that this year’s outcome won’t mirror the last. This year’s varsity roster has only three seniors and four sophomores.
Senior golfers Dominic Crosson and Josh Tindall are a driving force behind the competitive edge of the team. Kelley reflected on the their abilities and what each brings to the course. ‘Dominic is our most consistent and experienced golfer,? Kelley said. ‘Josh is a long ball hitter that has a pretty decent short game.? Both golfers average in the high 70’s and low 80’s on the course.
On top of his senior’s strengths, Kelley is pleased with his sophomores? improvement.
‘All the sophomores can hit the long ball, but they are young and they are learning that the drive is only a tenth of the game. We are working on their short game and their decision making.?
Overall, the coach is happy with the group of young men that he has to work with, their improvement, and feels they are going to win.Oxford has already seen some competitive action in their season’s first tournament match-up on August 19.
The Wildcats traveled north to Lapeer East for the ‘Tune-Up Tournament.?
The purpose of the tournament is just that, to get the teams out on the course to see what they need to improve before league action starts. East hosted 25 teams from around the area, including all the Flint Metro League schools.
Oxford placed 20th in the tourney and last among the FML teams. After getting a good look at their league competition in the ‘Tune-Up,? the Wildcats competed in the first of two Flint Metro League tournaments on Monday, August 22.
Oxford placed seventh out of the eight league teams; however, the Wildcats made some strides by gaining a few strokes on their opponents, especially against Lapeer East who finished last.