Golf team compiles 20-3 record

The steadfastness and determination of the High Point Regional High School golf team was evident this season.

A few early setbacks only helped to propel the Wildcats forward.

“We started off slow, losing two of our first three matches” to Sparta and Pequannock on April 1 and April 9, respectively, head coach Bill Percey said. “After the Pequannock loss, the team learned from their mistakes, and we went on to win 14 straight.’’

High Point finished with an overall record of 20-3 and was 8-0 as champion in the Northwest Jersey Athletics Conference (NJAC) Freedom Division.

Leadership was a positive factor for the Wildcats.

“I believe that our four captains (Ty Woods, Brendan Percey, Carson Citro and Jake Dippel) did a great job motivating our team, especially when we had some early season adversity,’’ the coach said.

Student athletes across the lineup made improvements this year.

“I believe that our entire program improved from the first day of practice,’’ Percey said. “Parker Okeson really came on late in the season to help us secure another conference title.’’

The Wildcats have won the NJAC Freedom Division two years in a row. Their combined 2023 and 2024 record is a remarkable 43-4.

The future looks bright for High Point golf as well.

“We have three very good juniors coming back next season (Jacob Dippel, John Elko and Thomas Krawec) and some young talented players,’’ Percey said. “Hopefully, they will play all summer and be ready to carry on the legacy that our seniors left behind.’’

A very personal accident made the 2024 season memorable and inspirational for the Wildcats.

“I would like to mention that my son Brendan returned to play only one week after he suffered a traumatic brain injury,” when he was hit in the head with a golf ball during a match, Percey said. “His physical and mental toughness was very evident, especially the last couple of weeks of our season.’’