THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 2, 1994 TAG: 9409300237
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
ON ITS WAY to the state championship a year ago, Great Bridge breezed through the Southeastern District tournament.
The Wildcats posted a whopping 56-stroke edge over runner-up Western Branch. Churchland was third, 57 shots back.
As usual, Great Bridge once again rates as the team to beat for the two-day Southeastern meet opening Monday morning at 7:30 at Sleepy Hole. Tuesday's final round will be at Stumpy Lake, also with a 7:30 a.m. start.
The Wildcats can expect a dogfight with the Bruins in the latest match-up.
Twice this season, Great Bridge has posted wins over the Bruins. Both came by three strokes.
This year, only three teams qualify for the Eastern Region since the district has one less school. Four teams have qualified in the past.
Deep Creek, the No. 4 finisher last year, and Churchland figure as the most likely to gain the No. 3 spot.
The past two years, Robbie Rasmussen won individual honors in leading Great Bridge to the team titles. Teammate Kennis Sigmon was runner-up last year. Both have graduated.
But Great Bridge still is led by two players who are considered the district's finest - Robbie Twine and Alton Todd. Todd was third in the district last year and fifth in the state. Twine was sixth in the district.
Other prime contenders as district medalist are Churchland's Robert Davis and Jason McEwen, Western Branch's Heather Jeffries and Spencer Moore, Deep Creek's Chris Huntzinger and Norcom's Anthony Gregorie.
MeEwen was fifth in the district meet last year despite an opening round 82. Davis finished 10th. Huntzinger was eighth.
Jeffries, perhaps the finest female player ever in the district, won the Bobby Bowers Junior Invitational for girls this year and has been consistently scoring in the 70s. She has won several area tournaments.
``She is as long off the tee as any girl I have ever seen around here,'' said Western Branch coach Wayne Peterson.
Moore tied for 16th last year but is now a much better player.
Gregorie placed 11th last year after a disastrous opening round of 90. He came back with a solid 77.
Rasmussen won last year with 76-70 - 146. The year before he had 147.
Great Bridge finished with 303-302 - 605. In 1992, the Wildcats won with 613.
In addition to the team qualifiers, the five highest finishers among players on other teams will gain region berths.
There are 45 players competing.
The tournament director is Wilson athletic director Dave Willett. Willett has requested that all coaches meet Monday at 7 a.m. in the pro shop. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by D. KEVIN ELLIOTT
Churchland High School's top two golfers are Robert Davis, left, and
Jason McEwen.
by CNB