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Wildcat Golfers Place Second, Fourth In District Matches
Rockbridge County High School senior Andrew McCoy had the best Valley District golf score in recent history to medal decisively in a district match on Thursday at Shenavalee Golf Resort in New Market. It was the second win of the week for McCoy, who was also the medalist on Monday of last week at Greene Hills Club in Stanardsville.
At Shenvalee, McCoy fired an 8-under-par 63 on the 18-hole, par-71 course. A day after his incredible performance, McCoy said he knew after nine holes, when he was 7-under-par with a score of 29, that he had a chance for a very good score.
“I hit the ball really well,” said McCoy. “The putts were falling. I kept patient.”
RC head coach David Miller said McCoy “was unbelievable. … I must have heard a dozen people say, ‘I am so glad it was Andrew.’” The Wildcats placed fourth of eight teams with a score of 321. Spotswood placed first to hold onto the lead in the district standings. William Monroe placed second and Turner Ashby third. Following RC in the standings were East Rockingham, Rocktown, Broadway and Harrisonburg. Complete team scores were not available.
RC’s second scorer was Dean Fafatas, shooting an 83. “A little quicker start and he will soon be in the 70s,” said Miller.
Harrison Tanner turned in the Wildcats’ third score, posting an 86, and RC’s Finbar Looney and Joe Vargas both shot 89. Also competing for the Wildcats was Davis Welsh, carding a 93.
RC Second at Greene Hills
At Greene Hills Club, the Wildcats placed second of eight teams with a 318, their best score in a few years, on Monday of last week in Stanardsville.
RC trailed only Spotswood, which shot a 312, while TA placed third with a 324. Rounding out the standings were William Monroe (331), East Rockingham (345), Rocktown (372) and Broadway (375).
McCoy led the way by taking first place with a 72 on the difficult 18-hole, par-71 course. Miller said McCoy “was spectacular. … He hit it great and made some big putts and is now where he should be, back on top. Great attitude and such a great leader.”
Spotswood’s Jacob Burkholder placed second with a 74, while teammate Casen Chandler shot a 75. Securing the Spotswood win were Amaday Mozheyko (81), Jack Baugher (82) and Jackson Moyer (82).
The Wildcats’ second scorer was Fafatas, who had his best day so far, firing an 80. “So proud of him,” said Miller. “He did everything well, and it is so much fun to watch his improvement and hard work.”
With an excellent back nine, Tanner carded an 83. “He is putting great and is just a few swings away from being in the 70s,” said Miller.
Vargas also shot an 83 to complete RC’s team scoring. Miller said Vargas “was so steady” and “is making a huge impact on this team and had some great ups and downs today around the green.”
Also competing for the Wildcats were Looney, firing an 89 for his first score under 90, and Welsh, shooting an 84. Miller said Looney “had some great pars early and a birdie. Very proud of his attitude.”
While Welsh “didn’t have his A game,” Miller was proud of him for hanging in there. “I am so happy with his golf etiquette and integrity,” added Miller. “Great kid, as they all are.”
The Wildcats were scheduled to play a district match on Monday at Woodstone Meadow Golf Course in McGaheysville and will have two nondistrict matches this week. Today, Wednesday, they’ll take on Fort Defiance at The Club at Ironwood in Staunton at 4:15 p.m., and they’ll face Lord Botetourt at Botetourt Golf & Swim on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in Troutville. After a break from competition for more than two weeks, the Wildcats will return to district action on Monday, Sept. 9, at noon at Lakeview Golf Club in Harrisonburg.
