Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 24, 1995 TAG: 9508240026
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PEARISBURG LENGTH: Medium
The Spartans will feature two golfers who can potentially shoot in the mid-70s on a consistent basis; but after that, questions abound.
The most pressing concern is depth. The Spartans have only four golfers who are likely to post scores that can help the team. Schools must field a minimum of four golfers to compete as a team; fewer golfers must compete as individuals. Giles will be perilously thin.
The four Spartans who will contribute should be competitive. At the top is senior Andrew Wagner, who last year placed in the top 15 at the state Group A tournament. After spending the summer playing tournaments on the junior circuit, Wagner will look to improve on last year's performance.
Senior David McCall will be counted on to complement Wagner and play quality golf, as well.
``McCall is right in Wagner's footsteps,'' Wilburn said. ``Usually, if one of them struggles, the other one picks it up and balances things out. If that continues to happen, we will be fine.''
To compete with Region C powerhouse Glenvar, the Spartans' fortunes may rest with Clay Davis and Jason Jannelle. Davis, a sophomore, is transferring from South Carolina and is capable of shooting near par. If that is the case, the Spartans will have a top three that are capable of playing with anybody.
Posting the fourth score will be Jannelle, a junior. He could shoot in the upper 70s if he continues to work on developing his game, Wilburn believes.
Rounding out the team is Casey Clark, an underclassman who has taken up the game in the past year. Clark is shooting in the low 90s, and Wilburn is counting on his continued development.
Assuming everyone stays healthy and peaks at the right time, the Spartans could be competitive come time for the Region C tournament. Winning at regionals will be a tall order, though. Giles advanced to the state tournament in 1993.
``We need everything we have, we have no extras,'' said Wilburn of the thin numbers on his squad. ``That makes it a little tough. You need about five golfers who can shoot in the 70s to win regional and state championships.''
If Giles is to advance to regional play, it will first have to get out of the Three Rivers District.
Other area golf teams:
Floyd County is likely to present the Spartans with their biggest challenge. If the Buffaloes are to challenge Giles, junior Adam Harris and senior Justin Fontaine will set the pace. Filling out the top four will be freshmen Chad Harris and Travis Pratt.
Larry Mannon's Radford team will be young. The Bobcats have only two upperclassmen on their nine-member squad.
Senior Eric Merkt will be the Bobcats' top golfer. Merkt qualified for the state tournament last year and will look to do the same this season. Rounding out the top four will be sophomores Jason Porter, Bryan Frye and Ben Nester.
At Pulaski County, the Cougars will have a difficult time reaching the upper echelon of the Group AAA Roanoke Valley District, though the squad should be competitive. Senior Chris Davis, who has played for four years, should be the Cougars' top golfer.
After Davis, the squad will be balanced. In slots two through five in the lineup, there will be little difference among golfers. Occupying those positions will be juniors Chuck Shomo, Ryan Hagert, Ryan Nunley and Jace Petrazviella. Sophomore Ray Kirby will also contribute.
Providing Pulaski County with depth will be Michael Chandler and Matt Mansell.
``We will have good competition within the team, and that is something we have not had in the past,'' coach Jesse White said .
In the AA New River District, Christiansburg will field an experienced squad. Four of the Blue Demons' top six golfers will be seniors. Drew Robinson will spearhead Christiansburg's team. The senior finished second at this month's Carroll County Shootout and can be expected to shoot in the upper 70s.
Nelson Simpkins, Doug Adkins, Cord Hall and Joel Humphries are close in ability and will occupy spots two through five, depending on who is shooting well at the time. Sophomore Travis Colley will be the sixth man.
Blacksburg is the early season favorite in the New River. The Indians won their first two matches, including the Carroll County Shootout.
Junior Wes Martin should shoot in the 70s and lead the way. Andy Robinson, a junior, should also be a force. Completing the rotation will be junior Allen Reneau, seniors Craig Zamer and Brent Powell, and sophomore Kevin Brown.
by CNB