LYNN — The 2018 season was a step in the right direction for the Classical golf team.
The Rams went 13-4 during the regular season, made plenty of noise in the Northeastern Conference and qualified for the Division 1 North state tournament.
“We couldn’t have asked for anything better,” Classical coach Jack Morrison, entering his 15th year at the helm, said. “That was a lot of wins for our program. We had a really good team too. That was far and away our best season, from what I’ve seen.”
But now it’s time to turn the page on 2018 and get started on 2019. And the Rams will have to do so without 12 seniors from last season’s roster. Among those 12 were Brett Bucklin, Brendan Lannon and Andrew Patrie.
“We had a lot of seniors and they were a big part of our success,” Morrison said. “We had experience up and down the lineup. Andrew, Brendan and Brett all played well last year. They always matched up against the best three players of our opponents and they always held their own.”
Returning to the mix this fall are Kyle McCarthy, Tim Nerich and Luke Rao — three seniors projected to assume big roles.
“I know it’s cliche but those three have big shoes to fill,” Morriso said. “Those three guys (Bucklin, Lannon, Patrie) were everything that I could’ve hoped for. They were great in leadership as well.”
Juniors Matt Devin and Kyle Finnigan also return to the team.
“Matt and Kyle are going to be in the middle of the lineup,” Morrison said. “I’m hoping that they can keep the middle of the lineup going with steady play.”
And newcomer Brady Warren, “Has looked pretty good at tryouts,” Morrison said. “He’s going to see some action as a freshman.”
The Rams have a couple practice rounds under their belts thus far. Through the early going, the main focus has been on the mental aspects of the game.
“Our schedule is going to be a lot tougher this year,” Morrison said. “We’re looking OK in practice but we’re going to have to do everything right to try and make another run at the tournament. We’re going to win some and we’re going to lose some. To be successful we’re going to have to pay attention to detail.
“We’re only two rounds in and we’re just working on the basics and trying to play smart when we’re out there. These guys are athletes. Their main sports are hockey and baseball. I think thirdly they’re golfers. Golf’s a hard game and there’s a lot to it. We have to get them into shape as far as thinking good and doing the little things right.”
Classical opens the season with a tough test out of the gate. The Rams will travel to Olde Salem Green for a match with Northeastern Conference opponent Salem Sept. 3.
“Salem might’ve ran the table last year and the year before,” Morrison said. “That’s a big match for us because I think we can compete this year. We’ll see where we’re at after that match. It’s early but that’ll be a good measuring stick for us.”
