It was yet another solid week for the Escalon High School boys golf team, as the varsity squad put together two big league victories. Adding to the team’s success, the JV squad also managed to beat Ripon, Hughson and Livingston in a four-way contest. In scoring decisive wins over Hughson and Hilmar, the varsity improved their hold on second place, moving their record to 9-1 in Trans-Valley League play and 11-2 overall.
Tuesday the Cougars traveled to Turlock Country Club for a key match against Hughson. Escalon took down the surprising Huskies, defeating them 222-246. Coach Rusty Fachner was extremely happy with the road win.
“Playing at Turlock CC was kind of a unique experience for us since we had only played there once before. When you’re not real secure with a course, anything can happen. I’m just glad that we had some guys really step up and play well.”
Lane Cadell was one of “those guys” as he scrambled to a one over par 37 on the day. Fachner had nothing but praise for Cadell’s efforts.
“Lane went out on the course without all of his game being in sync. That’s tough because you’re never quite sure where the ball is going to go,” Fachner noted. “I was really impressed that he managed to end the day being only one over. He really scrambled and that was a monumental effort on his part.”
In addition to Cadell’s effort, Nick Toy chipped in with a 42 to aid the cause.
“Nick was another one of the guys who was ‘grinding’ his way through the course”, Fachner said. “His score was just what we needed. He really worked hard out there.”
Following Toy were Jared Wall and Nolan Sarkozy, who both shot 47, and Zack Gardner, who posted a 49. Brandan Trammell’s 51 closed out the scoring for the day.
On Thursday, April 10 the Escalon linksters hosted Hilmar at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in another crucial TVL match. Once again the Cougars proved victorious by the score of 229-245. Fachner was less than pleased with his team’s scoring, but was relieved that they walked away with a big win.
“We didn’t play very well, individually, but as a team we were pretty consistent,” the coach said. “We have to start getting lower scores if we want to do well against Ripon (on April 22), in the league tournament, and in Sections. Scoring like we did against Hilmar just isn’t going to get it done. Everyone needs to shoot better.”
Cadell and Wall were the medalists with scores of 44, while Trammell added a 46. Sarkozy continued his steady play with a 47, while Toy and Gardner finished the day with identical 48’s.
“Everyone just needs to shore up a hole or two, and we’ll be fine,” commented Fachner.
Junior Varsity
When it came to the effort of his JV’s, Fachner was ecstatic in what they accomplished. He was also quick to recognize the help of Jerry Emery, who has volunteered many hours working with the younger Cougars.
“The younger guys played great. Each one of our players improved his overall score from the first match, and that’s what you want to see. Jerry has had a real positive impact on these guys. The guys love working with him, and he’s really made a difference in their games. We’re very lucky to have him aboard.”
Tim Wallace led the troops at Jack Tone Golf Course, shooting a 39 for his best score of the season. Brandon Levin showed real promise dropping seven strokes from the first match and carding a 41 on the day. John Beaver and Dominic Brumley were also outstanding, improving their scores by nine strokes. Beaver checked in with a 47 while Brumley added a 48.
“Timmy was terrific once again. He’s going to really help us next season…you can count on that. Plus he’s become a real leader on that JV squad. I love his attitude and his competitiveness,” said Fachner. “I also loved the effort by Brandon. He can be really good if he continues to work at it. He seems to really love the game and he wants to get better. He really listens to everything you say and tries to apply it. Dom and John…well, you don’t improve by nine strokes in a match unless you’re working hard at practice. They both showed me a lot. I’m really proud of all these JV players, and I know Jerry is too.”
