Oak Ridge Golf
editor@oakridgesports.com The future looks bright for the Oak Ridge High School golf team. That’s the future, as in next week -- and in years to come. Coach Jody Waddell’s Wildcats and Lady Wildcats have generally had solid -- if not spectacular showings at times with regular season action winding down. Despite having a young golf squad, Waddell said Oak Ridge could make some noise in postseason play. The District tournament is Sept. 19 at the Knoxville Golf Club while the Region tournament is Sept. 25 at Three Ridges. “We’ve got the deepest talent that we’ve seen at Oak Ridge in a while,” said Waddell on Tuesday. “We’ve got six guys who can shoot even par at any time.” Junior Joe Marshall of Oak Ridge has set the pace for the Oak Ridge boys. Marshall has held his own against not only some of the best golfers in the area, but around the state as well. “Joe has been my best player. He hits it real solid, pretty long and he doesn’t make any big numbers. Joe always gives himself a chance to make birdies.” Marshall has shot 40 or above for nine holes just twice this season. Waddell said that Marshall has a work ethic that’s second to none. “He’s the hardest worker on my team. He wants to get better and improve more than anyone else. I foresee him having a good postseason.” In a recent match with Webb, Marshall went up against Spartans standout Wes Roach. “Joe was paired with probably the best golfer in the state in Wes Roach, who is headed to Duke next year. They both shot a 34.” Along with Marshall, Waddell has a nucleus of five other golfers who have made up his starting lineup this fall. Senior Chris Sy has had his moments this season, with several rounds in the mid 30s. “Chris has had his ups and downs. He has shot a lot of 36s and 38s, but he has the occasional 43 or 44. He just needs to be a little more consistent.” Junior Michael Daughtery has loads of potential, according to Waddell. “He’s talented. Michael is a solid ball striker and he putts it well.” Mason Griffin is one of Waddell’s precocious talents, having already carded rounds of 36 and 37. “Mason has got the capabilities of being a heck of a player before he leaves here. Mason is a smart golfer for a freshman.” Seniors Jimmy White and Jake Forstrom have also been solid contributors for OR this season. Waddell likes his team’s chances to advance to the region tourney. The top three teams in the district tournament qualify for regional play. “Halls is the team to beat in the district. They shot 150 at Cherokee the other day and we shot a 171. But, about 10 days ago we tied them for first in a match.“ Coupled with a recent one-shot loss to powerhouse Webb which features two Division 1 golf signess, and you get the picture. “We’ve showed signs that we could make a run (in postseason),” said Waddell. On the distaff side, Oak Ridge has been led by another powerhouse young gun, ninth-grader Savanna Schubert. “Savanna is quite possibly the best female golfer to come through Oak Ridge,” said Waddell. “She has already shot 37 and 39. Her worst score is a 43, and that’s great for a freshman. The thing about her is she keeps the ball in play. “Once Savanna makes better decisions -- and that’s just a part of being young -- she’s gonna take it to the next level. I expect her to shoot under par next year.” The Lady Wildcats return their top three players next season with juniors Jenny Stevens and Kelcee Ramsey also coming back. “Jenny doesn’t get rattled. She hits the ball well off the tee and hits her irons real good. Nothing bothers her. Kelcee is just a good athlete. She’s a basketball player and she played everything growing up. She is able to hit it a long way.” Waddell said the Oak Ridge girls can also make some noise in postseason play, but there’s a big roadblock looming. “We can make it to the region as a team. Once we get to the region, Farragut has got the best team in the state. They’re tough, but our girls have a bright future.” |