LAWRENCE: Shillaber hoping to finish strong

By Justin Feil, The Packet Group
   Every season has been a little better for Dave Shillaber, and this spring is shaping up to be the best yet of the Lawrence High School senior’s athletic career.
   ”We’re looking for him to close out this year well,” said LHS golf head coach Gregg Zenerovitz. “He had a solid year in soccer and basketball, and we’re excited how he’s going to leave Lawrence High.”
   Shillaber was a part of the LHS soccer team that finished 4-12, then the boys basketball team that went 15-8 and won the Colonial Valley Conference’s Valley Division title. Shillaber might have been finishing his senior year on the Cardinals baseball team, but he moved from the diamond to the golf course last year.
   ”I played baseball my whole life, but I’ve always played golf,” Shillaber said. “We’re members at Springdale. It finally got to me, these baseball practices going on for two or three hours or playing nine holes of golf. I gave up baseball and haven’t regretted it.”
   The golf squad only wishes they had him longer after he’s steadily progressed in his second season of varsity play. He is second in scoring average behind Chris Boutote.
   ”Last year, me and Lee Kwon, who was a senior, tied for third,” Shillaber said. “They were nothing-to-brag-about averages. This year, I’m playing better, but I’m not scoring the best I can. I’m not putting as well as I can, but I can’t complain. I haven’t had any blowout rounds yet. I haven’t gone low yet. I have not broken 40.”
   Boutote carded a 38, while Shillaber shot 40 as the Cardinals improved to 7-0 with a 210-232 win over Robbinsville on Tuesday.
   ”It’s great how we started,” Shillaber said. “Beating Princeton and Notre Dame was great. I don’t think we’ve ever beaten Princeton. And to beat Notre Dame, who was a preseason favorite, and on the road, it was huge. The whole team, we’re happy and everything, but we still have a lot to worry about.”
   The Cardinals have set their standards high already for this year. Their 210 on Tuesday was higher than they’d like to see, especially at Princeton Country Club.
   ”Against some of these teams we’re going to play in the upcoming weeks,” Shillaber said, “it’s not going to get the job done.”
   Added Zenerovitz: “The bottom line is we got the win. It wasn’t our best effort. At this point, we’ll take it and keep on going forward.”
   Shillaber is looking to continue to make steady progress on the golf course. He enjoyed his first two sports this year, but was really looking forward to the spring. It’s why, for the first time in his life, he took private lessons.
   ”We knew coming into the season that we could do some things,” Shillaber said. “It wasn’t like basketball season ended and I just started playing. I definitely prepared more and played more over the summer. I got a little better.”
   With a new swing, Shillaber is proving he can help the Cardinals even more this season. He was their low scorer with an 82 in miserable conditions at the Cherry Valley Invitational last week. He’s been a real asset since switching sports last year.
   ”Dave is just the type of kid that’s fun to be around,” Zenerovitz said. “Nothing bothers him on the course. He’s focused on what we’re trying to do. Last year was his first year playing on our team. It was an adjustment for him. He learned from last year. He’s got the second lowest average next to Chris. We’re proud of what he’s been able to accomplish.”
   Shillaber, who plans to play at the intramural level for West Virginia University which has no collegiate golf squad, showed signs of his potential even last year as the low scorer for LHS at the Mercer County Tournament. He has played some of his best golf in pressure-packed situations and still is shooting for lower scores as it starts to feel more like spring.
   ”As it gets nicer, the scores should get better,” Shillaber said. “I’ve been staying consistent, which is pretty good. Last year, I could shoot 38, and I could shoot 49 or 50. I haven’t had that this year.
   ”Last year was my first year in high school golf, actually playing competitively. This year, I know what to expect. There’s no intimidation and I know what I need to do. I’m just more aware of how to get by out there.”
   Shillaber has done more than just get by. He has become a steady contributor the Cardinals, one they can count on in big invitationals and in CVC matches. They will have plenty next week with six matches (two tri-matches) scheduled in four days. That’s a lot more match experience to benefit Shillaber, who has found a real passion for the game in the last two years.
   ”I definitely look forward to golf,” he said. “Our basketball team was good this past year. Golf, it’s definitely the favorite. I wish I’d played since I was a freshman.”
   The Lawrence team echoes that wish, but they’ve been thrilled to have Dave Shillaber join and become a valuable member in his final two years.