
DATE: Sunday, September 28, 1997            TAG: 9709260412

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 20   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JAMES C. BLACK, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   89 lines

WILDCAT TRIO OUT TO AVENGE LAST YEAR'S DISTRICT TOURNEY LETDOWN

Where there's one, there's another. Or so seems the case with Great Bridge golfers Evan Adamson, Mike Nemcosky and Dan Youngsma.

The three sophomores are more than just classmates. They're neighbors, friends and key ingredients to the Wildcats' drive for a state title.

``We can feel the pressure of wanting to go all the way,'' Adamson said.

But the pressure started well before the season-opening match in August. And it certainly will go beyond the Southeastern District tournament championship, which starts Wednesday at Suffolk Golf Course and concludes Thursday at Chesapeake Golf Course.

The pressure started at the Chesapeake course, formerly Seven Springs - which also happens to be home to the Great Bridge trio. All three live in houses adjoining the course.

Before Adamson, Nemcosky and Youngsma took approach shots for the Wildcats, they teed off against one another at home.

``All three of us are competitive'' Youngsma said. ``We're always trying to play for the No. 1 spot.''

They were competitive in other sports as well - baseball and basketball particularly. But golf is the one they all excelled in at a higher level. And the one in which all three were able to compete for Great Bridge as freshmen.

Just like that, they became part of a dynasty - members of a team that had won 10 straight district titles. The newcomers helped make it 11 last season.

But then, something happened. Something that was downplayed at the time. In the district tournament, Shaun Robertson, Evan Spivey and Nansemond River golfed their way to the crown. Great Bridge finished second.

``We lost a lot of momentum going into the district tournament,'' Adamson said.

The Wildcats then placed fifth in the Eastern Region tournament and advanced no one to the state meet. A big disappointment.

``Since we won the regular season, I think we let down a little bit. We let our guard down,'' Great Bridge coach Chris Osmon said. ``This year, our kids will prove they want to win the tournament.''

And from the start, the Wildcats have been at top form.

Nemcosky and Youngsma each shot seven-over par 72 at Suffolk to start the season.

Nemcosky then shot even-par 70 at Lake Wright on Sept. 5 in a tri- meet. Adamson scored a 1-over 70 in the following match at Chesapeake. And on Sept. 17, Youngsma shot a 3-over 73 at Chesapeake as Great Bridge defeated Cox, previously unbeaten and a six-time defending regional champ.

``I thought it was a big deal to me,'' Nemcosky said of the Cox match. ``People at the club said they wanted us to win so it was a big deal to us.''

Particularly since the Falcons had defeated Great Bridge earlier in the year.

But before the Wildcats face Cox again, most likely in the regional meet Oct. 14-15, Great Bridge has business against district foes.

``This year, we are going in psyched,'' Adamson said.

The top three teams at the district meet advance to the Eastern Region meet, held at Bow Creek and Lake Wright.

``It's going to be a battle for second or third. It's no doubt who's going to win,'' Nansemond River coach Don Horn said. ``Great Bridge has a caliber golf team that can win the state tournament.''

And that's the type of pressure Nemcosky, Adamson and Youngsma have put on themselves and their teammates. ILLUSTRATION: Photos

Evan Adamson

Mike Nemcosky

Dan Youngsma

Graphic

ONES TO WATCH

Individuals to watch for at the Southeastern District golf

tournament. The top five golfers that are not members of the three

qualifying teams earn a berth to the Eastern Region tournament Oct.

14-15 at Bow Creek and Lake Wright golf courses.

1. Evan Adamson, Great Bridge

2. Bryan Belangia, Oscar Smith