ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
By: John Beisser
There are not many high school golfers in the state, let alone in the area, who have the consistency to be able to hit 15 greens in regulation in a meaningful tournament. But on May 19, that’s exactly what Hillsborough High junior Steve Cannon did in the Skyland Conference Championships at the Fiddler’s Elbow Course in Bedminster.
"Yeah, but I three-putted six times," Cannon was quick to point out.
What Cannon failed to mention was that he rolled in four birdie putts as well. A lot of golfers would have packed it in after recording a triple bogey on their first hole as Cannon did. But the even-keeled Cannon has a rhythmic, repeating swing that holds up well under pressure. Instead of caving in, he calmly played the final 17 holes at four-over par.
Cannon, the Hillsborough Beacon Athlete of the Week, had a fine junior season and he is anxious for 2006 to arrive when he will join Andrew Borsuk and Logan Cecchine to form a formidable three-man punch for the Raiders.
The highlight of Cannon’s junior campaign was qualifying for the NJSIAA State Tournament, along with Borsuk. In the sectionals at the Buena Vista Course in South Jersey, Cannon fired a 77 to place fourth. That finish helped the Raiders gain a second place finish, which earned them a berth in the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions for the first time in school history.
Cannon is quick to credit Raider head coach Paul Parker with helping him with his game. Parker, an accomplished golfer in his own right who often tees it up in local amateur tournaments, will often offer tips and guidance to his players when he feels they need them.
"Coach plays with us at times and I think it helps," Cannon said. "Last year, it was tough for any of us to beat him. This year, we’ve beaten him a couple of times. I know I’ve gotten him a few times and he has gotten me a few times. He definitely knows the game and he has been a big help to me. He basically gives me a lesson when we play. There have been times where I’ve shot a 43, 44, and then I’ve played with him in practice, and the next time I play I shoot 37, 38."
Cannon is confident and hopeful the momentum the team finished with this season will carry over into 2006.
"We finished the season very well and the only senior who will be moving on is Matt Simonik," he said. "I think we have a chance to be very good next year and I can’t wait."

