Competition Is Driving Force Behind Boys' Golf Program
April 7, 2010 by Greg Lederer
The Cheshire High School boys' golf team benefited from experience last year. With all five varsity positions filled by upperclassmen, the Rams won their second consecutive Housatonic Division title and made a statement at the Southern Connecticut Conference Championship. Pat Herlihy won the individual title at 75, leading the Rams to their first title (320) since 1997.
“I thought it meant a lot to the kids,” said Cheshire Head Coach Dan Lee. “Those captains (Herlihy, Matt Goggins, Matt Reims) contributed to the varsity team for three years and got better each year. We beat a good Fairfield Prep (second, 326) and Xavier (sixth, 347) team.”
“It was huge,” added Greg Palmer, a senior captain with Dean Hajedemos. “We had a lot of older guys and really wanted to win for the seniors. It was awesome.”
The varsity team has since changed significantly. Graduation took away the three leaders. Hajedemos suffered a broken wrist and his return is yet to be determined, so Palmer is the lone returning starter right now. But due to competition, Cheshire feels very positive about their outlook in 2010.
“Last year, we had a veteran team with three seniors and two juniors. It was hard to break through that,” explained Lee. “Hopefully this year, these guys will go out and compete for those five spots.”
According to Lee, there are eight players competing varsity. Palmer returns from hitting the lowest stroke average last year and Hajedemos played his best golf during the second half of the season. Seniors Sam Martha and J.D. Keegan, along with juniors Gill Lassen and Tom Wellspeak, have developed within the program. Junior Brian McAviney and sophomore Mike Raccio add depth.
“Competition is competition. That is something I really enjoy. If you don't enjoy that, why are you on the golf team?,” stated Palmer, who is interested in college golf. “We have seniors, juniors, and sophomores coming back. It is one big family.”
Palmer has progressed rapidly, since the joining the program for his sophomore year. He played baseball as a freshman. Last year was his breakout season, stepping up as medalist in several matches.
“It's been a lot of fun,” recalled Palmer, who has played significantly over the last two summers. “After freshman year, I learned that it (golf) is what I wanted to do. It is more fun and relaxing.”
“You can't say enough about the way Greg has improved his game,” Lee added. “He understands that he can't be satisfied. He is constantly trying to improve his game and I think he will have a great year.”
Hajedemos had his breakthrough moment last spring, shooting a 36 (medalist) to lead Cheshire to a 157-159 victory over Fairfield Prep. It had been many years since the Rams had come away victorious in Fairfield.
“When he came in at par, that helped us get that big win at Brooklawn (Country Club). That was a springboard to what he did at the end of the season,” recalled Lee. “His (wrist) cast comes off in two weeks and then he starts physical therapy. He'll return when the doctors clear him.”
“It's obviously a big loss. Dean had a big year for us,” said Palmer. “We can draw on our depth. We will be even stronger when he comes back.”
Cheshire will have the home-course advantage to start the season. They open against Guilford (today, 2:30 p.m.), Lyman Hall (Thursday, April 28), Amity (April 12, May 6), Shelton (April 13, May 11), and Hamden (April 26, June 1). The Rams will also play Housatonic rival Sheehan on May 3 and 4.
“We feel very fortunate. Farms (Country Club) treated us very well,” explained Lee. “It provides the challenge that we need every day. It has been invaluable and a terrific opportunity.”
Cheshire placed 13th (328) at the 2009 State Open. This year's meet is June 7, at Crestbrook Park in Watertown. The New Haven Country Club hosts the SCC Championship.
“Every year we step on the tee, we want to win the Housy and SCC. Then go after the state,” said Palmer.