CHS golfers impress in season-opening win vs. Milton
By Mike Berger
Sophomore Joey Ryan, pictured last season, was the match medalist in the Bulldogs’ season-opening win. (Mike Tureski photo_
The Canton High golf team opened its fall campaign with a win at home last week over nonleague Milton, 156-164. Coming off a rebuilding season last fall, the Bulldogs are hoping to return to the state playoffs this season after missing the cut for just the first time in 13 years.
In their August 31 victory at Blue Hill Country Club, sophomore Joey Ryan was the match medalist with a two-over-par score of 36 — a career-best round that included a birdie on the tough No. 8 hole. “Joey played a great round,” noted head coach Mike Barucci. “He worked really hard over the summer and improved in all aspects of his game.”
Junior captain Huck McCready was next for Canton with a five-over 39, followed by senior Brian Middleton (40) and junior Travis Thomas (41), a newcomer to the team.
Barucci said the win should give the Bulldogs some good momentum going into a tough week of matches with Davenport foes Oliver Ames and Mansfield scheduled to come to town on Wednesday and Thursday.
With only two seniors graduating last year, Canton returns several starters with match experience, led by McCready and senior co-captain Brendan Tourgee.
McCready paced the team in scoring last year as a sophomore and qualified as an individual at the state tournament. Barucci said he has worked on his game all summer and played in multiple competitive tournaments to get himself ready for the season. Tourgee, a two-time captain, has also improved greatly since the start of last season. “I believe Brendan will be one of the top golfers on our team and in the league this season,” said Barucci.
Thomas joins the team this year after a very impressive start in tryouts and the first week of practices, earning himself a spot in the starting lineup. Also securing their spot among the top eight are Middleton, a senior, and Ryan and Teddy Shuman, both sophomores.
Barucci said the team also features a number of other strong golfers who will be competing for the remaining spots in the lineup. They include Matt Anderson, Bobby Budway, Danny Hall, Gavin McMahon and Kai Valintine.
“I believe we have the talent this year to qualify and make a good run in the state tournament,” said Barucci. “I also believe we can be one of the top teams in the Davenport division and look to claim the title back this year.”
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Posted by Mike Berger
on Sep 8 2023. Filed under High School, Sports.
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