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Charger golf looking to unseat River
 | | Bath Golf coach Terry Bradley gives putting advice to Charger golfer Travis Williams. Williams, a senior, was three off the lead at the Lower Cascades course with a 41. (Recorder photo by Geoff Cox) |
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WARM SPRINGS- "We should be pretty good," said Bath golf coach Terry Bradley referring to this year's BCHS golf team.
"We're much improved over last year," Bradley said. "Potentially, this is the best team I've had in seven years."
Last year's team finished second to James River in the district. This year the Chargers will try to knock the Knights off their throne.
"For years James River has beaten everybody's brains in," Bradley said. "I also look for Parry McCluer to be good."
Of the eight Chargers fighting for the top four slots, seven played varsity or JV last year.
Playing from the top seed will be senior Joey Pritt. "He's taken more ownership of his game," said Bradley. "When he plays confidently, he is very good."
Battling Pritt for the top spot are senior Travis Williams and sophomore Drew Newmarker.
Two-sport athlete, football and golf, James LaCour will fill the fourth slot. LaCour is the only newcomer to the squad.
"He came out as a senior," said Bradley. "If he focused on golf he would be a great golf player. He has a good golf sense."
Interchangeable at the fifth and sixth positions are junior Danny Gwin and freshman Alex Fry.
Bradley said he is looking for Gwin to do some scoring this year and expects great things from Fry, son of Homestead/ Cascades pro Mark Fry.
"He's (Fry) improved tremendously over last year and we look for him to get better and be a pivotal part of our program for four years," Bradley said.
Sophomore Justin Lindsay and freshman Walker Ryder round out the team. "Look for them to play a lot," said Bradley. "I've been pleased with their progress."
Building for the future, Bath will also field a JV team consisting of freshman Mason Ailstock and eighth-grader Ryan Plecker.
With a stacked roster, Bradley is ready to see the Chargers step it up. "I'm tired of finishing eighth in regionals," he said.
"Hopefully we'll fight James River for No. 1. With Covington and Parry McCluer behind us we can't relax. We can't take anything for granted."
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