W’boro’s future looks bright

AMHERST
The future of Waynesboro High School golf grew continuously brighter Monday as freshman Brennan Lloyd made his way around the Winton Country Club during the Regional tournament. Despite the fact that his round of 86 was not good enough to move him onto the Group AA tournament, the character that was forged and the lessons that were learned will go a long way in making him and his team more successful.

Couple Lloyd’s unlimited potential with the talent of the strong core of players that are returning and Waynesboro coach Charlie Cox can’t help but be excited and enthusiastic.

“We will be losing key people in seniors Benji Smith and Patrick Owens, but I am very excited about what lies ahead for us in the next few seasons,” Cox said. “If everyone keeps working on their game, we will be very competitive.”

Veteran Fort golf coach Judy Bonin went as far as to already name them the favorites for the upcoming season.

“With who they have coming back, they have to be the favorites,” Bonin said.

Llyod played his first four holes of the regional tournament at eleven-over, but more than regrouped to play the final fourteen at only plus four, showing the resolve and grit of an experienced golfer.

“He’s a guy that is out there 24-7, you can’t ask anymore out of him,” Cox said. “I am just extremely proud of him, he’s a great kid and he is on his way to becoming a very good golfer.”

While Lloyd is up and coming, junior Ben Teachey will be back next year to captain the team and provide leadership that only a senior can.

“Ben is a great kid and he has a terrific work ethic,” Cox said. “He was our number two scorer this year and I know that he will only be better next.”

One of Lloyd’s classmates, fellow freshman Josh Kanney, has shown that he can be a great compliment to Brennan and Cox believes that he is just beginning to scratch the surface.

“He is still working on his ball-striking but he is a heck of a scrambler. He can work out of any situation and he is only going to get better.”

Alec Becker, a sophomore, is another player who is still developing, but at a rapid race.

“Alec is taking leaps and bounds towards becoming a solid golfer,” Cox said. “He just started playing golf in the ninth grade, but he is really improving.”

Cox also expects to get a lot of production from senior to be Michael Roberts.

“Michael is a laid-back, relaxed kid and that will be to his benefit as he continues to improve as a golfer. I really expect him to be one of our top scorers.”

In addition to the aforementioned players Zach Showalter, Chris Lovell and Malcom Garderner are all working to improve their game and help this team win a district title.

“The next three years are going to be extremely exciting,” Cox notes. “We could make some noise.”