The Lakewood High School golf team experienced a lot of growing pains last year. The Piners went winless in 18 matches, yet despite the hard times, Coach Dick Brown remains optimistic his squad can begin to turn things around in 2002.
"We had a very young team last year," Brown said, "but the kids remained focused despite the lack of winning. We’re hoping that this season we get better results. A lot of our kids now have a year of varsity experience on which to draw."
The Piners are led by junior co-captains Kevin Kiernan and Sam Schneider. Both players are now in their third year of playing varsity golf.
Brown is hopeful the duo can anchor a Lakewood team that has its share of underclassmen.
"They’re the two guys who we look to as our experienced players," Brown said. "Both shoot in the mid 40s for nine holes. Both are solid players who have improved over the years."
Lakewood opens its season April 8 with a home match against Point Boro High School. In fact, the Piners play their first five matches on their home course, the Lakewood Country Club. Brown can’t remember a time in his 26 years of coaching that the schedule afforded him that luxury.
"It’s a nice way to begin the season," Brown said. "You’re always more comfortable playing on your home course, but we don’t have any easy teams coming in, so we’re going to have to be ready to play."
In addition to the 17-match regular season schedule, Lakewood plans to compete in a couple of tournaments. The Piners are entered in the Wildcat Invitational at Sea Oaks Golf Club in Manahawkin April 18. They will also compete in the Ocean County Tournament slated for April 29 at Eagle Ridge Golf Course.
Juniors Matt Gonzalez and Christi Johnson should fill spots in the starting lineup. Johnson has been with Brown for three seasons.
Seniors Casey LeCompte and Steve Miklovic are vying for playing time. Brown feels both will see their share of starts this season.
Freshman Joey Bishop and Ryan Budde round out the roster. Brown said he’s still recruiting players.
"We’re always trying to generate an interest in the sport," Brown said.
Last year, Brown set a team goal to break a score of 200. The Piners accomplished that five times. He feels they can do even better this season.
"We’re looking to get under 180," Brown said. "I really feel this group can accomplish that. If we can shoot in that range consistently, we improve our chances of winning."