Blazer golf stumbles

Sept. 7, REDGATE GOLF COURSE

The boys' golf team started the season by finishing in last place in the first match against Gaithersburg, Rockville and Paint Branch bringing their record to 0-3. The Blazers combined for a total score of 232, just one stroke behind Gaithersburg and ten from the first place Rockville team.

Senior Neal Vasilak led the team with a score of 42 including one of Blair's two birdies. Senior Bill McManigle and junior Danny Gillen both shot scores of 46. Sophomore John Conroy had the other Blair birdie with a two shot on the par three second hole and ended up with a 48. Junior Alex Alm and senior Neil Hofman rounded out the team with scores of 51 and 52 respectively. Hofman's score did not go towards the team total as the lowest score was dropped.

Coach James Schafer was disappointed with the teams overall performance. "This was not our best showing, we had a lot of players play a poor game," said Schafer. Schafer went on to add, "This is new territory for us, losing."

Last season Blair finished with a 14-2 record and a second place finish in the County Tournament. Because of their success, the Blazers moved up to the more challenging Kyle division for this season. Schafer does not see this as an obstacle for his team. "We can hang with every team in our division if we play up to our potential," said Schafer.

Gillen shares similar optimistic hopes for the season and believes the Blazers will be able to bounce back from the tough loss today. "We were really close to where we needed to be as a team and hopefully next match we can pull it together and come away with a victory," said Gillen.

Blair's next match is Sept 8 against Quince Orchard, Gaithersburg, and Paint Branch at Laytonsville Golf Course at 3:30 pm.