Triad’s golf team is pictured from the left, front row, Hannah McManaway, Olivia Butz and Maddie Campbell; second row, coach Patrick Johnson, Audra Millice, Joni Russell and coach John Millice.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
The 2019 Triad boys golf team is pictured from left, front row, Matt Richards, Payton Oyer, Travis Culp and Cole Pond; second row, coach John Millice, Tyler Gross, Jalen Nott, Maison Johnson, Ryan Gross, Devin Butz and coach Patrick Johnson.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
The Cardinal boys golf team returned to the new season with a good deal of experience under its belts.
Cole Pond returns as the top golfer for the Cards as an Ohio Heritage Conference honorable mention selection last year.
He was the only player to qualify for the district tournament for Triad.
Pond will be joined by another OHC honorable mention selection in Jalen Nott.
According to head coach John Millice, the two will be leaders of the team and look to improve from last year.
Of the 10-man squad, seven of the golfers will be returning as letter winners for the Cardinals.
Millice believes this experience will help the team be much improved from previous years.
“We should compete in most golf matches and are working towards the top tier of teams in the OHC,” he said. “With a wealth of experience, it is a great group to coach.”
The team does have some new faces this season.
Freshman Tyler Gross is new to golf, along with junior Matt Richards.
Millice said the two have improved daily to help out the team.
Girls head coach Patrick Johnson will be working with a large group of new golfers with little experience.
He does, however, have seniors Olivia Butz and Anna Nott on the roster.
Butz was a second-team all-OHC honoree, while Nott made honorable mention.
Johnson said both will be consistent leaders for the Lady Cards.
The other five members of the team are all new to the links, but despite the lack of experience Johnson believes Triad has the potential to be a top tier team.
“The girls should be able to compete in every golf match,” he said. “When playing to their potential, this team can advance in the post-season and be at the top tier of the OHC.
“They are improving daily.”