Coming into the new season, the Forestview boys’ golf team has adopted two new members they believe will increase the probability of winning States.  Freshmen Graham Haney and Sam Stout are helping the team get back on track after the loss of former member Harold Varner.

The two were given a warm welcome this year, as they have played numerous times with some of the players at the Country Club’s golf course.  Because their abilities were recognized before the start of the season, the rest of the team has high expectations for them.   

Coach Kenneth Beaty says the freshmen “are expected to step in right away and play well.”  Both students plan on playing their next three years at Forestview.

Along with the freshmen, the remainder of the team has high expectations as well.  For the last two years, the team has obtained the conference title and the West Regional title, and has placed second at States.  This year, Beaty would like to also add the States title.

Parker Sytz, junior, says that fellow player James Chapman, junior, “is the Tiger Woods of our team.” 

According to the coach, Chapman is the number one golfer returning from last year.  He has the lowest stroke average and would be closest to the team captain if they had one.  Following Chapman, Philip Boheler would be next in line for the position.  Philip has played three of his four years here at Forestview and is the only senior on the team.

To get ready for their matches the team practices hard, playing at least nine holes every practice.   Most practices are held at Tee Time Driving Range to give them realistic ideas of what the matches are like.

“We have a really good chance of making it this year, mostly because we practice so hard,” said freshman Graham Haney.