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ITHACA – Norwich sent one representative to the New York State Championship for varsity golf – Le Moyne College commit, Ryan Johnson.
“I think high school golf and when you’re dealing with great athletes, that high number (over par) is still there. They’re young and learning. You have to go through failure, and it is hard for them to accept that, and hard for them to want to listen to you,” said Norwich head golf coach Dave Branham. “But a lot of times, the mark of great player is their ability to come back. Great champions all come back from something, choking, defeat or something.”
Johnson qualified to be a part of the Section IV team that attended the state tournament on Sunday, June 4, and Monday, June 5.
Out of a total of 99 golfers from all across New York State – Johnson ranked 67th after the two days of golf.
Completing his senior season, Johnson was named All-Conference with his stroke average landing at plus 1.30 over par – an impressive mark. Johnson completed his NHS career as a six-year varsity starter – playing on both the 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 Section IV State Team. Johnson was also a three time All-Conference, two time All-Division golfer – while also being a multiple time CNY Jr. Tour Medalist – claiming a third-place finish in the Class B tournament in 2016.
However, the weather would have a funny way of sending the Tornado all-star golfer out.
“First day was rough, rough weather,” said Branham of the weather on Sunday. “We practiced on Saturday, it was blue sky – sunny, a little windy. But then we all knew Sunday and Monday was going to 100 percent chance of rain.”
Due to the inclement weather, a shotgun start was the call from coaches and officials – not just for Sunday but for Monday’s round as well – an unheard of feat, especially for a state-level tournament.
