JC golfers open '06 season (07/31/06)

The Jay County golfers posted a lot of 60s last season. Coach Tom Ferguson expects better scores this season and is hoping to see a different number in the 60s - his team's winning percentage.

"I'd like to be, dual-meet wise, between .600 and .700 at least," said JCHS coach Tom Ferguson of his girls team, which opens the season today at the Richmond Invitational. "Obviously we've had trouble getting over that .500 marker the last four or five years. I think this group can do it."

Jay County will also play in the Monroe Central Invitational Tuesday, while the South Adams team opens its season Tuesday at Fort Wayne Elmhurst.

For the third straight season, junior Trisha Champ will top the Patriot lineup.

Champ made her final round of 2005 her best, shooting a 79 18-hole score at Noble Hawk Golf Links in the regional tournament. It left her short of a state berth, but was a strong finish to a season which included a runner-up Olympic Athletic Conference finish.

Now she's hungry to take the next step.

"I think she's very capable of shooting in the low 70s," said Ferguson. "If she plays well she'll have a chance to get (to state)."

Champ averaged 43 strokes per nine holes during her sophomore season, more than four better than in her freshman campaign. Ferguson said he expects the number to drop by another three strokes at least this year as Champ works on getting more birdie opportunities.

"I could improve my short game," said Champ of what it will take to reach her goal of an appearance in the state tournament. "My confidence could get a little better."

Joining Champ in the lineup will be seniors Miranda Denney and Ashley Bunch. They were the No. 2 and 3 scorers a year ago with Denney averaging 59.4 and 60.5 respectively.

Denney earned All-OAC honorable mention with a ninth-place finish as the team came in second behind champion and host Connersville.

"Right now they're scoring better than the other girls and they're experienced," said Ferguson. "I think we have another (group of) girls that could possibly fill the other two spots."

In the varsity lineup for the season-opener today were senior Brittany Lewis and sophomore Rachel Osterholt. Lewis was the No. 4 scorer on the team in 2005 at 64.9 while Osterholt held a 75.8 average.

Others looking for varsity playing time include juniors Brittany Schlater (65.2) and Cindy Muhlenkamp (65.40) and sophomores Ivy Simons (66.9) and Jennifer Hunt (69.7).

Amanda Barnett (68), Alex Bunch (75.2), Amy Nichols (83) and freshman Holly Rittenhouse round out the squad.

While Rittenhouse is the only freshman this season, Ferguson does have another new face in the fold. Rayma Frankenfield is joining him as an assistant coach.

Frankenfield, a 1991 Jay County graduate, brings with her an impressive resume.

She advanced to the state tournament twice during her high school career, finishing 15th and earning all-state honors in her senior season. She went on to play at the University of Missouri, and has coached at Purdue.

The team is coming off a season in which it posted an average 224 per nine holes, and Ferguson hopes to see that number drop to between 205 and 210. He's also looking to better the squad's sectional finish after ending the team season ninth in the group of 11 at Timber Ridge Golf Course in 2005.

"All the returning players are capable of cutting strokes," Ferguson said. "Most of them are playing better right now. They're all hitting the ball better."[[In-content Ad]]