By Josh Lashley, Special Writer
During the brutal winter season that people across the region recently endured, one thing that kept people in a positive frame of mind while cleaning up after a seemingly endless string of snow events was the knowledge that when the weather got warmer they would be able to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities once again.
Members of the Nottingham High School golf program not only enjoyed themselves while playing their chosen spring-time athletic endeavor, they were also able to gain valuable experience on the links and get better in the many different aspects of the sport.
The North Stars had a solid turnout of student-athletes hoping to take part in the always challenging, yet very rewarding game of golf. Head coach Todd Shulman was pleased with the amount of players who showed interest in joining the team and feels that it bodes well for the future.
”I had 13 student-athletes on the roster this year, more than any previous year,” coach Shulman said. “Of those 13, eight had never really played golf at all. I am really hopeful that within the next few years Nottingham will have a team that is able to compete with many of the other schools here in Mercer County.”
Nottingham had strong leadership from a veteran member of the squad this season.
”Devin Tandy is my oldest returning varsity player from last season,” he said. “He really took his role as captain seriously. He was there to do whatever the team needed to help us try and be successful. He would try and help the other golfers with their swings or give pep talks.”
Underclassmen also impressed coach Shulman with their performances on the courses throughout the spring. “My most improved golfer this season was Dylan Gurgurich,” he said. “He is a sophomore and had played last season as well. He struggled in the beginning of the season but really pulled things together as time went on. Ben Richards also stood out this year. Ben is a freshman and had never played golf before coming out this season. He showed great athleticism and is my only starting freshman on the varsity squad.”
Coach Shulman recalled a memorable match from the recently ended season and looked forward to seeing his players work hard to become even more competitive in the 2015 season.
”When we broke 300 for the first time against Hamilton West (a 249-276 loss on May 1) it gave a real boost to the team,” he said. “When we were able to do that again a few other times it was really great for morale. I am hopeful the student-athletes will continue working on their game during the off-season. If they are able to continue playing before next season, I think we have a very good chance of posting some wins.”

