THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 7, 1996 TAG: 9604050141
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 28 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
Defending champion Nansemond-Suffolk lost three regulars to graduation but is among the likely contenders for the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools golf championships this season.
The Saints will be challenged by Norfolk Christian and perennial power Hampton Roads Academy.
Catholic, playing the most visible girl in the league, returns only three players from last season's fourth-place conference team. Norfolk Collegiate and Norfolk Academy also are rebuilding, returning one key player each. Cape Henry begins its first year of golf competition.
Here's a preview of the TCIS teams competing in The Virginian-Pilot's coverage area:
CAPE HENRY COLLEGIATE
Coach: Dave Cameron
1995 record: First year
Key performers: John Watson, eighth grade; Logan Rawlins, Jr.; Rainer Poley, Jr.; Evan Bourquard, Sr.; Ben Temple, Jr.
Outlook: The Dolphins bring a young, inexperienced team to the course.
CATHOLIC
Coach: Dave Smith
1995 record: 13-9, 4th in conference
Key performers: Mason Meyer, Sr.; Angie Baskette, Jr.; J.R. Marks, Soph.
Outlook: Meyer, Baskette and Marks carry the weight of the team. Although Smith has 10 players teeing off, his opening seven will include four inexperienced newcomers. Smith looks to a much-improved Marks and a mature Meyer to battle in the first group while Baskette will be counted on at No. 6.
NANSEMOND-SUFFOLK
Coach: Rick Van Orden.
1995 record: 24-2-1.
Key performers: Sean Dougherty, Jr.; Ryan Lambert, So.; Eddie Bagnell, Sr.; C.T. Harry, Jr.
Outlook: Returning All-Conference golfers Dougherty and Lambert lead the Saints. The three-time defending champions lost three key members but will challenge strongly for their fourth title.
NORFOLK ACADEMY
Coach: Toy Savage.
1995 record: 7-11, fourth TCIS.
Key performers: Josh Raper, Jr.; Frank Baumann, Jr.
Outlook: Raper, who played at No. 3 last season, is the Bulldogs' only returnee. Baumann spent last season playing in Florida and brings needed experience. Savage is looking for quick improvement from a core of freshmen that could challenge for top spots and make the Bulldogs competitive in league play.
NORFOLK CHRISTIAN
Coach: Jim Gahagan
1995 record: Not available
Key performers: Kyle Roof, Jr.; Ben Evans, Soph.; Zach Taylor, Fr.; Luke Cooper, Fr.; Peter Nichols, Sr.; Alan Strickland, Fr.
Outlook: Gahagan is looking for Roof and Evans to shoot in the 70s. Taylor and Cooper have improved tremendously in the offseason and Strickland is rated as the top newcomer with a potential to contribute immediately. The Crusaders, returning a league-high six players, could challenge for the title.
NORFOLK COLLEGIATE
Coach: Emory Stafford
1995 record: 2-18
Key performer: Michael Reina, Sr.
Outlook: Stafford is hanging his hopes on Reina, a fifth-year player, at No. 1. Reina took the spot last season but, according to Stafford, struggled with nerves. A calmer Reina walks the course this season. by CNB