Golf Season’s Start Could Be Beginning Of The End

Today’s first Frontier League boys golf match at MeadowWood Golf Course will determine where West Valley and East Valley stand.

“The way I look at it, the season begins, and could possibly end Thursday,” said Eagle coach Tom Struthers.

He said Pullman, Cheney and Clarkston rank as favorites.

But West Valley was fourth in state last year after finishing second in league behind Clarkston and returns everybody.

EV was fifth in league, but has the potential to be improved, said Knight coach Ken Stacy.

“The league is tough and up in the air. If anybody is hurting it’s us,” Struthers said.

Eagles are a veteran team

The entire team returns for the Eagles which normally would be reason for optimism.

But a late start because of flood damage to Hangman Valley Golf Course, WV’s home site, has put the team behind.

“We’re supposed to host districts and I don’t know what we’re going to do there,” said Struthers.

Seniors Jason Whitney and Shaun Murray, who each shot 157 to tie for seventh in state, lead the way.

Also returned are three sophomores, Shaun’s brother Robert Murray, an improved J.R. Meyer and Brandon Frisch.

Senior Bart Mortenson, freshman Gene Hagreen and sophomore Ryan Soss are other contenders.

“The critical part is will we be ready for districts,” said Struthers. “I believe we will be.”

Finally, depth at East Valley

The addition of a freshman golfer is reason that Stacy is delighted.

“We finally have a chance to be decent,” he said.

Brian Miacolo is the best incoming talent Stacy has had in 10 years.

“He’s going to be a good one,” he said. “I’m hoping we can build around him.”

Junior Kris Florin, who shot a district round of 78 and just missed qualifying for state, is EV’s top returnee.

They are joined by seniors Mike Florin, Nick Robinson and Gordon Harvey. Freshmen Luke Damskov, Nate Grover and Bobby Lee round out the team.

“At the end of last year we scored below 420 for the first time since I’ve coached golf,” said Stacy.

He’s hoping for even better things this season. In a league this strong, it will be imperative.

, DataTimes