The men’s golf team had some big shoes to fill as Jacob Forsythe, the anchor of last year’s team, and 3rd in state, moved on to Cedarville University. The team played the most competitive schedule in the history of the sport at CVCA. This year’s team goals were to (1) Win the PAC-7, (2) Win the Sectional, and (3) Advance to the State Tournament.
The golf team attained two of their goals by repeating as PAC-7 Champions and winning the Sectional Tournament at Forest Hills Golf Course. The team was led by PAC Co-Player of the Year, William VanBuskirk, who used his four years of experience at Legends of Massillon to help the Royals win both the PAC-7 Pre and Post-Season Tournaments. The Royals also placed Peter Richards on the 1st Team All PAC. Daniel Criswell and newcomer Bowe Andrews were named to the 2nd Team All PAC.
Andrews, who was solid throughout the year, put up one of his best rounds of the season in tough, cold, and wet conditions to earn medalist honors at the Sectional Tournament. With the help of Richards, Criswell, and Freshman Jeff Britton, the Royals put themselves in position at the District Tournament at Windmill Lakes Golf Course.
Unfortunately, the Royals’ season slipped away on the back nine at the District Tournament. A few bad breaks and a couple lipped-out putts, and the Royals were on the outside looking in at the State Tournament.
These golfers earned many honors during the season.
Andrews earned 2nd Team All District honors.
Daniel Criswell and Peter Richards received Honorable Mention All District.
Richards, Criswell, and VanBurkirk received Academic All-Ohio Awards, each with a GPA over 4.25.
Although the Royals fell short of their State Tournament goal, they succeeded in their spiritual goals. The players grew in perseverance and playing the game of golf with character. It is a privilege to watch these boys turn into men of character during the course of their career. We will again have big shoes to fill next year as we lose Richards, Criswell, VanBuskirk, and Alec Sands, but there are exciting prospects with freshmen Andrews and Britton leading the Royals into a new era of golf.
Coach Bucciarelli
James 1:12
