BSHS Golfers open season

by Horrace Blankenship

The Berkeley Springs High School Golf Team opened their 2007 golf season on Tuesday, July 31, at the Woods Resort in Hedgesville. The Indians, one of five teams competing in the Tri-County Tournament, finished in fourth place.

Berkeley Springs was led by junior Ryan Redick. Redick, the lone returning golfer from last year's state tournament qualifying team, shot a 50 in the 9-hole event. Freshman Zach Solomon shot 51, followed by Nathan Bowers with a 53 and Geoff Blankenship's 60.

Martinsburg's Brad Beebe, the low medalist with a 41, led the Bulldogs to the team title. They fired a 173 total followed by Jefferson County (184), Musselman (213), Berkeley Springs (214) and Hedgesville (239).

Two days later, Berkeley Springs hosted the same teams in an 18-hole match at Cacapon State Park. Jefferson County edged Martinsburg 348 to 349 for the team title. Berkeley Springs finished third with 366, followed by Musselman (407) and Hedgesville (478).

Redick led the Indians once more with an 87, followed by Andrew Rickli with 90, Nathan Bowers with 91 and Jeremy Michael with 98. Justin Stanbaugh of Jefferson was the low medalist with an 80.

"We have a young team," said Berkeley Springs coach Dale McCumbee. "We lost four of our top five golfers to graduation, so I guess you could say we are rebuilding. I am encouraged by early results and think there is a lot of potential. It will just take time; we are very young."

Redick is the only returning golfer that attended last year's state tournament.

Berkeley Springs returns to action on August 14, when they travel to Moorefield, before competing in the Martinsburg Invitational the following day at Stonebridge Golf Course in Martinsburg.