At the beginning of the season, Clarkston golf Coach Larry Sherrill was not really sure what he had this year.
‘I said at the beginning of the year it was going to be a learning year ? and we learned a lot this year,? said Sherrill
The Wolves lost four seniors from a team which finished 11th in the state last year. While Clarkston’s season is over, Sherrill is pleased with their sixth place finish in a regional draw of 16 in Traverse City on May 23, and is optimistic in regard to the future.
‘We talked a lot about (next year) before we left Traverse City. I think we are going to be a very good team next year,? said Sherrill.
While the Wolves will be losing seniors Lyndsey Kitson and Lauren Moore, most of the pieces will be back next year, including centerpiece junior Jackie Schram, who led the Wolves in Traverse City with a score of 84.
Sherrill was impressed all season with the way Schram helped her teammates on the course ? aiding others in both the technical and mental side of the game.
Minjoo Lee, who shot a 106 at the regionals, and Lu Kuhta, who walked off the 18th hole with a 111, will both return next year. Sherrill hopes that with the right summer training both girls will continue their steady improvement.
While summer training will not follow a rigid pre season schedule along the lines of football, Sherrill has a long list of tournaments and other events the girls can enter to further hone their craft over the recess.
‘The more 18-hole tournaments they play, the better they become,? said Sherrill. ‘They know what it takes to be good.?
Another bright star on the horizon for the Wolves is the JV team’s undefeated record this past year. Sherrill expects that some players making the jump from the JV to varsity could offset the team’s losses.