By: John Ostrander ’16
There has always been and air of mystery surrounding the golf team. They are like super-heroes, they are among us, quietly leaving early to play heated matches against opponents. But what happens inside their community?
This year, like every year, they went on a retreat to help with team chemistry. The venue they chose this year was the Suncadia resort. We can only assume that this played in to their success this season.
The team relies on an assortment of senior leaders to support the younger players. The seniors on the boys’ side are Will Hall, Eugene Wackerbarth, and Bart Schaeffer. These are the seasoned veterans helping to bring the freshmen into the system. This year there are two freshmen on the team; Andy Brautigam, and Mikey Lambert. Rounding out the team are Matt O’Brien ’15, JT Matthews ’15, Christian Deysine ’15, Luc Birchfield ’16, and Will Blatner ’16. But what would the boys be without the girls?
Seniors for the girls’ side are Melissa Dickinson, Nikki Rise, Meghan Mullally, and Mari Nakata. The Juniors on the team are Emma Hoyt, and Meghan Zech. Finally, the Sophomores are Sarah Hampson, Mia Hallgrimson, Rachel Dickinson, and Ellie Lamb. With no incoming freshmen one might worry about the future of the program. But with such strong Sophomore and Junior classes there will be no shortage of talent in coming years.
One major story on the team is the two Dickinson sisters. With Melissa as an older sister and a leader on the team there is every opportunity for Rachel Dickinson to grow into a great player for Seattle Prep.
One of the shortest Seasons in all of Prep Sports, the golf team is already into their District Playoff Rounds. On Thursday, October 24th, the Boy’s team placed 2nd in Metro with Wackerbarth placing first individually, and Hall 4th. On the Girl’s side, Melissa Dickinson led the girls to Metro runner up with 4th place individually.
After playing well all season, the golfers proved themselves as competitors in these high stress situations. These are the times when team chemistry is most important to carry them through adversity. Also during these times, they receive the constant support of their coaches. The players love their coaches Tim Reilly and Bill Meyer and say that they are some of the most supportive people they know.
Like a lot of sports, one of the main take-aways for the people on the golf team is the friendships they carry on and off the course with each other.
