Graduation took a toll on Beachwood’s boys’ golf team but the Bison have the potential to remain competitive this season in the new Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division.
Co-league MVP Drew Schnee and Nate Burke both graduated last spring after fine careers that included a district tournament appearance last season. That leaves the Bison with some big shoes to fill.
“Our Beachwood Bison program is in a transition year,” Beachwood coach Douglas Sessor said. “Last year, our program was driven by two outstanding seniors–Drew Schnee and Nate Burke–that set the standard for the future. This year our leadership will come from senior Clinton Sansonetti, freshman James O’Neill and sophomores Matt Blumenthal, Jack Gordon, Shane Young, Drew Riley and Gabe Connor.”
Blumenthal played on the varsity squad last season.
Despite the new faces, Sessor is confident the Bison will rise to the challenge this fall.
“Our expectations this year are to arrive at every match confidently, implement consistent course management, maintain a competitive demeanor and soak in all of the playing experiences,” Sessor said. “So far, we are very proud of their offseason efforts.”
Beachwood’s golfers have worked hard on the summer circuit and put in the time at the driving range and around the practice green to prepare for this season.
But, success on the course isn’t all Sessor is after.
“Our goals will be reached when the team’s overall GPA is elevated each semester, internships are completed and the team’s stroke average diminishes throughout the year,” he said. “We are very confident that these expectations/goals will be reached because our kids are driven and the support from our community is first class.”
