Philip Barbour's Logan Collins shot a 42 to help the Colts down Elkins and Bridgeport in a tri-match at Bridgeport Country Club on Tuesday. Photo by Joe Signorelli
Philip Barbour's Logan Collins shot a 42 to help the Colts down Elkins and Bridgeport in a tri-match at Bridgeport Country Club on Tuesday. Photo by Joe Signorelli
BRIDGEPORT — With the high school golf season quickly reaching the midway point, Bridgeport coach Fred Wilhelm admits his team isn’t where he’d like it at this point of the campaign.
That was evidenced Tuesday, where the Indians were beaten by Big 10 Conference rivals Philip Barbour and Elkins in a tri-match at the Bridgeport Country Club.
The Colts came through with a 174 to edge out Tigers, who carded a 178. The Indians lagged behind with a 184.
“It’s like we’ve hit the mental wall,” Wilhelm said. “You have to know and understand how to play par 3s and our guys just don’t seem to get that.”
The Indians had 26 extra strokes combined on the par 3 holes during the match.
“We have nothing but trouble on par 3 holes — double or triple bogeys,” Wilhelm said. “You have to understand you can’t go high on the pin and know you’re much better off to hit 20 yards in front of the hole.
“Until we start understanding that, I’m not sure we’re going to make much improvement.”
Philip Barbour won the match on strength of its balance, led by senior Luke Freeman, who tied with Elkins’ Braden Hopwood for low medalist with a 39.
“To come here on the road against two quality opponents and win says a lot for these kids,” second-year PB coach Doug Kirkpatrick says. “Five scorers in the 40s. That’s pretty solid.
“It’s pretty awesome to see where they are from where they came from.”
Freeman is a prime example.
“I’ve never seen a kid work any harder than Luke,” Kirkpatrick said. “His improvement from the beginning of last season has been unbelievable.
“To have a round like that at this venue really says a lot and is a big accomplishment for him.”
The Colts also got a stellar round from Logan Collins, who shot a 42. Trace Forby added a 46, while Tyler Clifton carded a 47.
Elkins stayed close thanks to the aforementioned Hopwood and Kollin Hopwood, who carded a 41. Brendan Cain added a 45, while Joe Severino and Russell Ward both added 53s — with one of those scores added into the final tally.
Bridgeport was led by James Goots’ 44, while Austin Williams and Andre Mardomen each shot a 45. Chase Robey rounded out the scoring with a 50.
Williams believes the Indians will pick it up during the second half of the season.
“We’re all having a hard time finding our games right now,” Williams said. “But I think that will come. I wasn’t hitting too bad, but the short game just wasn’t there.”
Williams and his teammates will get a chance to improve on their play Thursday with a quad match at Bel Meadows.
Sports writer Greg Talkington can be reached at 304-626-1444 or by email at etsports5@yahoo.com
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