High Point golf features largest team in school history
SUSSEX — There are a lot of positive aspects to the High Point High School golf program this spring.
The Wildcats have a great turnout in terms of student-athletes who decided to join the team and they feature a strong senior class who are willing to help communicate the many different components of the sport to the newcomers on the roster.
The three returning seniors for High Point this year include Chris Auer, Ryan Fiorellini and Adam Walton. Sophomore Will Eckert also returns to the lineup for the Wildcats.
“Our three seniors are great at working with the beginners," High Point coach Seamus Campbell said. “We have 31 golfers on our team and many of them have never played before, so their support of the new players is key.
“[This is the] largest [golf] team in school history and senior co-captain Adam Walton will continue his golf career as a member of the PGM (Professional Golf Management Program) at Coastal Carolina University (Conway, South Carolina) next year."
The Wildcats are looking improve upon their five-win total from 2013. On Wednesday, April 23, High Point has a match against Vernon at Great Gorge Country Club. On April 28, the Wildcats are slated to participate in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament at The Architects Golf Club in Lopatcong.
“Our team hopes to qualify for the (NJSIAA) State Tournament and improve each week," Campbell said.
Boys Tennis
After finishing with a very strong overall record of 15-4 in 2013, the Wildcats have seemingly picked up right where they left off as they are enjoying considerable success so far this spring season.
Key returnees for High Point this season include Ryan Henderson (senior, third singles), Chris Morville (junior, first doubles), Daichi Uchida (junior, first singles) and James Van Hooker (junior, second singles).
“The team selected Ryan Henderson as captain, well deserved for a senior now in his fourth varsity season," High Point coach Brian Drelick said. “Daichi, Chris and James all have a great deal of varsity experience too. This core unit is very important to our team and their contributions over the past few years are a major reason why we have a winning culture around the program."
Newcomers having an immediate impact in the varsity lineup include Fabio Martello (senior, second doubles), Kyle Nolan (junior, second doubles) and Paxton Haggerty (freshman, first doubles).
“We would certainly like to make the state (sectional) tournament again, perform well in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament, have players qualify for the NJSIAA tournament in June, but more importantly hang a banner in our gym for league champ," Drelick said.
High Point advanced to the NJSIAA North I Group III sectional tournament last year where they were defeated by Wayne Hills. The tournaments get underway across the state on May 8.