After a historic 2024 season that ended with a fourth-place finish at the Division II State Tournament, the Chagrin Falls Tigers return to the course in 2025 with a deep and experienced roster, as well as a new head coach.
David Kimball takes over as varsity head coach after six years with the program. He inherits a team that went 8-1 in Chagrin Valley Conference play last fall and returns four starters and three additional letterwinners from a squad that won sectional and district titles.
“We have a strong core of returning varsity players who understand what it takes to compete at a high level, and we’ve added some younger talent that’s hungry to contribute,” Kimball said. “Our team’s potential this year is significant, not just in terms of scoring, but in how we push each other to improve every day.”
Leading the charge is senior Jack Watson, a two-year captain and one of the area’s most consistent performers. Watson averaged 78.1 in tournament play and 37.8 in nine-hole matches last season, earning first team All-District and CVC first team honors. He also tied for 29th at the state tournament.
“Jack Watson brings a level of calm leadership that sets the tone for every round we play,” Kimball said. “He’s steady under pressure and someone the team naturally looks up to.”
Watson will be joined by two fellow captains—senior Owen Adelman and senior Henry Cimperman—both of whom bring experience and reliability to the lineup. Adelman posted an 84.8 tournament average and tied for 33rd at the state tournament, while Cimperman averaged 82.9 and tied for 37th. Both earned postseason recognition.
“Owen is one of those players who leads by example—focused, dependable, and always ready to compete,” Kimball said. “Henry has been one of our most consistent players from tee to green. His preparation and focus are a model for what it takes to compete at a high level.”
Junior Peter Fischer rounds out the returning quartet of starters. Fischer qualified for the state tournament alongside Watson, Adelman, and Cimperman and turned in multiple top 10 finishes in summer competition.
“Peter made incredible strides last season, and it’s clear he put in serious work over the offseason,” Kimball said. “His growth shows not only in his scores but in his confidence and maturity on the course.”
With high expectations and proven talent throughout the lineup, Chagrin Falls enters the new season focused on consistency and mental toughness.
“For us to be successful this season, it starts with consistency, both in our preparation and on the course,” Kimball said. “We need to stay mentally tough, especially during tough rounds or stretches of play. If our players commit to the process and compete with confidence, we’ll put ourselves in a position to reach our goals.”
Those goals include contending in the CVC and making another deep postseason run—with a return to the state tournament squarely in sight.
