For the first time in over four years, the Wesleyan golf team finished on top of the competition, beating out Connecticut College and St. Michael’s at the Wesleyan Invitational Tournament on Thursday. With the Cardinals sporting several new stars and a younger lineup, the squad won the overall trophy with a total of 10 points, edging out St. Michael’s (9.5) and beating Conn. (7.5) handily.
For the seniors on the squad, namely comedian and tennis star Adam Stone ’05, the triumphant win was certainly a special feeling, especially considering the disappointing defeats the squad has suffered over the past few years.
“When we go out to play, we always try to put up the best scores we can,” Stone said. “In the past, winning tournaments was not always within our expectations. We just tried to go out and play our best. But this victory was incredibly special and will help start a new chapter in Wesleyan golf.”
Stone, who took home team honors with the squad’s lowest individual score at New England’s and is one of only three returning lettermen, fell short on the last hole of morning competition with Connecticut College, but together with partner Mike Merckens ’06, managed to half with St. Michael’s in the afternoon.
One of the bright newcomers to the team that provided an inspired performance on Thursday was freshman Max Schenkein ’08, who along with Stone is also a member of the Wesleyan tennis team. Playing out of the number one position in the afternoon, Schenkein found himself neck and neck with the competition going into the last hole, and had an inordinate amount of pressure riding on his shoulders. However, Schenkein overcame his nerves and sunk a 10-foot put on the 18th hole to give him the victory over St. Michael’s just hours after winning his previous match with another outstanding performance.
“In general it feels good to have made a contribution to the team in my first event, especially considering I have played little golf during the tennis season, and this being my first competitive golf since last fall at the Massachusetts State High School Tournament,” Schenkein said. “It was fun and I look forward to the rest of the season.”
“Max won one heck of a match,” Stone said of Schenkein. “He is a great addition to the team and it is great to have a player of his caliber in the mix.”
Of the top six players on the squad, several other individuals had strong performances. Stone noted the competitiveness of captain Hal Tift ’06. Tift, who led the team at the New England’s with a low score of 84 in the fall, should have another impressive spring season.
“Hal is one tough competitor,” Stone said. “As a former teammate of his who played the infamous six hour round, I know from experience that Hal is in for a great season.”
Also looking to make a solid contribution is freshman Andrew Edge.
“I like his name, and he really does give us an ‘edge’ over the competition,” Stone said. Additionally, he pointed out the contributions of Mike Merckens ’06, his partner during Thursday’s morning competition.
Rounding out the top six is junior Jeff Sillin, whom Stone pointed out is the only blond haired member of the golf team.
If the first contest is any indication of things to come for Wesleyan golf, this season may yield Wesleyan’s best results in several years.
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