With four seniors on the Wilmington High School boys golf roster, you might think the Hurricane is a favorite to win the SBAAC American Division championship.
Not so fast. None of the four seniors has played a varsity golf match.
Junior Jack Murphy is the only member of Phil Gilmore’s Hurricane squad with any varsity experience.
Murphy was strong last season. He finished as the American Division runnerup after a season-long battle with a pair of Clinton-Massie golfers for top individual honors.
Murphy opened the season with a 1-over 36 in the first divisional match of the year as Wilmington claimed the team top spot by seven shots over Western Brown and New Richmond.
Gilmore said he likes his squad’s attitude and willingness to learn and get better.
“We lost a lot from last year’s team and we are looking to fill in a lot of those spots taken by our seniors from last season,” said Gilmore, who is again assisted by Kerry Wilkinson. “It will be a year full of learning and gaining experience. We have a great group of kids and we look forward to growing as a team and learning to compete in the SBAAC.”
Gone from last year are Hunter DeWeese, a three-time first team all-league player and four-year letterwinner; Cameron Smart; Dylan Combs; Zachary Zeckser and Zackary Delaney.
The newcomers will need to improve their short game if Wilmington is to continue on top in the league.
“We have to score well from 100 yards and in, so our putting and chipping are going to be vital to staying within reach of a conference title,” Gilmore said.
