As of last week, the Clarkston Wolves golf team had earned a 5-1 record in dual meets in the Oakland Activities Association. That was enough to clinch the league championship, even with one remaining dual meet on the schedule.
Coach Tim Kaul admitted it may not have been easy to predict the Wolves success this season, but gave credit to the players for coming through when it really counted.
“We’ve been kind of a middle-of-the-pack team,” Kaul said. “This year was quite satisfying. For some reason, in the league matches, the kids just rose to the occasion.”
Highlights of the season for Kaul include the team finishing first in the preseason OAA Division I meet, second in the postseason meet and second (out of 17 teams) in the Hartford Invitational.
The Wolves also established a nine-hole, par 36 record of 148 at Black Heath Golf Course in dual meet action against Rochester.
Top nine-hole averages for Clarkston include Bill Haun, 40.2; Rob Ronk, 40.6; Zach McDonald, 40.9; Colin Madole, 41.1 and Mike Fogg, 42. Medole was a medalist at the preseason OAA tourney, scoring an 18-hole 70.
The team is now preparing for regional competition, scheduled to begin Thursday at the Orchards Golf Course in Macomb Township.
One of the challenges of postseason play, Kaul said, is the lack of information on potential opponents.
Most of the competing schools come from northern territory and there is little press coverage of golf in general.
Of an expected field of 16 or 17 teams, the top three teams from regional competition will move on to the state playoffs.