Golf Aims For 3rd Straight Title
The Exeter golf team hopes for yet another successful season in the books. Two years ago, the team took the trophy home from the prestigious Kingswood Oxford Tournament and had an undefeated season. The team followed up the 2015 season with another championship, but ended the season with an 18-2 record. From its dominance in the past, Exeter current team is optimistic for another successful year with many strong returning players.
This year’s team has lost a few key seniors who graduated last year. “Their losses are pretty hard to make up for, since they covered our top two seeds, but we’ve also brought in some great additions to the team,” senior and co-captain Brian Choi said. The results have yet to be seen in an actual game or tournament, but the new roster features many new players, including three preps. However, senior and co-captain Charlie Dubiel described the returning group as “solid,” and is optimistic that the new golfers will rise to the occasion.
Many of the players have participated in tournaments individually over the break, and are optimistic that this will show in their next performance. “I know during the fall [Kathryn McCaughey] and I went to the courts with Charlie [Dubiel] to play a couple of rounds. I also know that a lot of kids over winter term went to the gym a lot so working on the rotational strength, flexibility, mobility, and all that good stuff, just making sure they’re healthy for the spring season,” prep William Huang said.
“For the past two or three years we’ve only had a few defeats, so we want to keep up this streak.”
However, due to the unforeseen snow this March and poor conditions out on the golf course, the athletes have been unable to play any games. However, they remain positive, practicing and working out in the gym and occasionally hitting out on the course. “While we haven’t been able to get outside, we’ve been working hard on improving our games in the golf room, and we’ve also been working with Coach Fish in the gym,” Dubiel said. Choi agreed, saying “The guys and girls on our team have been working very hard in the gym and out in the driving range so I can’t wait to go out and crush our opponents.”
Choi is hopeful for many wins in the upcoming season. “I honestly don’t think we have any rivals, since the past two years there hasn’t been much competition.” Lower Thomas Le shared Choi’s sentiment. “For the past two or three years we’ve only had a few defeats, so we want to keep up this streak,” he said.
The team is also looking forward to developing its newer players. “I’m nervous because this is my first season, but the team environment is very welcoming. The coach teaches you and gives you really insightful pointers to improve our game,” Le, who is new to the golf team, said. Le felt the upperclassmen had been integral in his improvement and served as a role model. “The seniors who have been on the team for a long time show us the ropes and it’s really helpful for the novices. I truly feel like a part of the team,” he said.
Despite this, there is some competition within the league which could include Andover and Deerfield. “Andover has always put together a solid team though, so I’m looking forward to its new team this year,” Choi said. “Also, last season, our only loss came to Deerfield when we played without three of our varsity players, so I guess that matchup will be special.” Huang also sees Andover and Deerfield as the two hardest matches, but hopes to win against them. “If we can beat Deerfield and Andover, I think we are pretty set.”
Nevertheless, the team is looking for the threepeat. “The last two seasons have been really rewarding, but I hope everyone will continue to push themselves every day. If we can focus on the day to day tasks, then our hard work will pay off later this spring,” Dubiel said. “No matter how well we finished up the last two years, we’re not guaranteed anything, and I have definitely encouraged the team to approach practices with this mindset.”