ITHACA – Robert Trent Jones Golf Course at Cornell University will play host to the 2016 STAC championship for high school varsity golf come 10 a.m. Oct. 11.
The Purple Tornado will be returning to the championships in 2016 in full force, bringing their entire varsity squad in their search for the STAC title.
“Class B championship goes on the gymnasium wall, STAC championship goes on the gymnasium wall, I would love that for these senior kids who have been so close so many times. They’re good enough to win, there is no doubt about it. If they are all patient with themselves, play all 18 holes, and remember it's a marathon,” said Norwich head coach Dave Branham. “The players who are mentally tough and adjust the quickest are gonna be the winners.”
Norwich will be bringing: Ryan Johnson, Brenon Maynard, Nate Scheer, Alex Gage, Griffin Clipston, and A.J. Little – coming off a divisional win and tying once again for the Class B championship, Norwich hopes to add a STAC Championship to their already impressive resume in 2016, which also includes a division record of 11-1 and overall record of 12-3.
Coach Branham offered up a comment on each of his athletes as they ready themselves to take to the the 18 hole, 72 par course for their biggest match of the season.
• Senior, Ryan Johnson: “Ryan has made the Section IV state team twice, in ninth and 11th grad, Ryan is a very good all around player. He is pretty mentally tough. He is just good all around,” said coach Branham.
• Senior, Brenon Maynard: “Made the Section IV state team as a junior for the first time, and came to Norwich as a transfer from Unadilla Valley,” said coach Branham. “Brenon is another very good all around player, with a very even temperament, and a lot of good aspects to his game. His mental toughness should help him.”
• Senior, Nate Scheer: “He drives it straight, he makes all golf courses very short, he just kills it. His biggest asset is his length, so if he can keep it in play, then he is a great three-man,” said coach Branham. “He has proven himself this year, he's always been a long player, but he might get a little frustrated in the later rounds, but this year he's held it together, he is a senior, he's getting older now. He is getting mentally more tough, a very solid three man.”
