Chagrin Falls’ boys’ golf team finished second to Hawken in the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division last season.
The Tigers hope to flip the script this season and overtake the Hawks on the course in 2019.
“We are extremely excited for the season,” Chagrin Falls coach Anna Caja said. “Our four returning starters will be supported by four seniors and two juniors, all of which have been part of the golf team since their freshman year. The four returning starters will be co-captains for 2019. We believe the depth of our experience should help us throughout the season.”
Hawken held off the Tigers in Monday’s preseason tournament at Chardon Lakes. The Hawks finished first with 343 strokes while Chagrin Falls was second with 357.
Both teams had three golfers finish among the top 10.
All three of Chagrin Falls’ top finishers are returning starters.
Winston Breeden placed second with an 82 while Luca Opperman and Clark Reboul tied for eighth place with a 90.
Harrison White, a returning district qualifier shot a 97 and Evan Bargar carded a 95 for the Tigers.
Breeden averaged 41.4 strokes per nine holes last season with a season-best score of 36.
“Winston is an extremely reliable and hard-working player,” Caja said of the 2019 co-captain and 2018 Northeast Ohio District honorable mention honoree. “He leads by example with a positive attitude.”
Opperman averaged 41.5 strokes last season and matched Breeden with a season-best score of 36. The co-captain also was a district honorable mention selection.
“Luca works diligently on his game,” Caja said. “He also dedicates a lot of time through his employment to help teach golf to the younger junior golfer. He is a strong student and also leads by example.”
Seniors Hunter McGillicuddy, Will Winovich, Jack Maistro and Bargar and juniors Richard Higley and Robert Schron provide quality depth for the Tigers.
“Our first goal for the 2019 season is to win our division within the CVC,” Caja said. “Additionally, we strive to place as many of our individual players on the first and second All-Conference teams. A second goal is to be competitive in Division I postseason play. In order to achieve these goals, each player has to challenge themselves to reach their individual goals. Each will practice to improve a certain aspect of their game to develop consistent scoring and play with a positive attitude and focus.”
