By Sam McClanahan
The Pendleton County Wildcats Golf team opened its 2022 season last month, and second year head coach Mason Monroe is pleased with the results his club has produced.
The roster is stacked with 11 total players who range between a second year eighth grader Matthew Musk and the senior trio of Rylee Spence, Ethan Verst, and Caleb Thompson. Also rounding out the squad is Bryant Brown, Nick Arkenau, Abraham Beebe, Ayden Pugh, Austin and Aaron Kirsch, as well as Jaysob Roenker.
Coach Monroe expects his veterans of Spence and Brown to regularly compete for the top spot on the depth chart and has been proud of the leadership qualities they’ve displayed around the underclassmen.
“These two guys practically live on the golf course and they love to compete. I’m expecting a great season from each of them,” Monroe said.
Eighth grader Matthew Musk returns as possibly the most improved player from last year and has earned himself a spot in the regular five man rotation during match play. Musk has shown a willingness to learn from his older teammates and figures to be a solid contributor for many seasons to come.
The senior duo of Ethan Verst and Caleb Thompson look to make a strong impression in their final seasons as Wildcats. Verst stood out recently at the Pendleton County Invitational when he fired a personal best round of 79.
Coach Monroe says he’s also been impressed with the newcomers to this year’s team and believes they can all compete for the five and six man slots for match and tournament play.
The Wildcats are slated to compete in nine more tournaments and matches throughout August and September as they set their sights on regional tournament play which will be held at Houston Oaks. The club will also be looking to send at least one individual to state tournament play.