New coaches, new season for Cape golf team
March 19, 2004
Last year three seniors on Cape Henlopen High School’s golf team contributed to a fifth place finish in the state tournament, including individual medalist honors for Tyler Witman.
This year’s team brings back several veterans and a new crop of players, lead by new head coach Corey Groll and his assistant, Dusty Shockley.
“We’re experiencing a big turnover, with younger guys,” Groll said.
The new coaches know exactly what kind of winning tradition they’re expected to continue. After all, they’re both former members of the Viking squad.
Groll played four years for Cape, graduating in 1995. “I was usually the third or fourth player,” he said. Shockley golfed for the team during his senior year in 1986.
Groll came back to teach for the Cape District after he graduated from the University of Delaware in 1999. He’s continued his education, earning two master’s degrees. Many Cape Region locals also know about Groll’s extensive contributions to Cape’s music and theater programs.
Shockley meets Groll at the Rehoboth Beach Country Club golf course after school. He teaches eight grade social studies at Beacon Middle School. Shockley earned a bachelor’s degree in history at Washington College, and also has a master’s degree.
The two friends share the same goals for this year.
As Groll put it, “We need to establish a strong structure for the team. We’ll attempt to teach them the fundamentals, to help them maintain their focus, and make sure in practice that they repeat the different shots they’ll face when they’re in competition. That way they’ll be used to hitting the same shots.”
“The kids have a great attitude. They’re all positive, and all good friends. This early in the season, they haven’t played enough yet to figure out where they rank in relation to each other. The scores have been pretty varied.”
The returning varsity members include seniors Brett Hertel and Andrew Lee, juniors John Purple and Brian Davidson, and sophomore Jason Hastings, who surprised several observers last year with his talent as a freshman. The new varsity players are seniors Chad Cross and Kurt Stephens and sophomore Andrew Parsell.
Groll also appreciates the contribution of the new junior varsity coach, Claudio Smarrelli. “He’s a real nice guy. He put in to volunteer for the school, and he was able to make the commitment to be there five days a week. He’ll be working with the kids at Marsh Island Golf Club, especially on etiquette and the rules, which will really help them when they come up to the varsity later on. Smarrelli has a very low handicap, too.”
The junior varsity players include kids from three grades. The juniors are Ricky Berl and Joshua Watts. Sophomore golfers include James Denver, Nat Gaffney, Alex Hatter, Joseph Kurtz, Alex McMahon, and Sam Mumford. The ninth graders are Stefan Fitzgerald, Margo Mitchell, and Jaryd Sykes.
The season begins with an away match with Caesar Rodney at Wild Quail Country Club on Tuesday, March 23.
Cyclonic golf expands international sales reach
Cyclonic Golf, the Lewes golf shoe company, is busy pushing its 2004 line of stylish footwear. It recently announced two new distribution agreements for its international sales efforts in the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand.
The press release announcing the deals with Inter Conglomerates of Manila and Birdie Golf Products in Australia also quoted Cary Hensley, President and Chief Design Officer.
“We’re pursuing distribution into international markets, in part because of the great response from January’s PGA Merchandise Show. Golf is a game of confidence, no matter what continent you’re on when you play.”
This year’s models include four new styles in the company’s Tour Series. The shoes are crafted from high-quality, full-grain waterproof leather and carry a two-year waterproof guarantee. The shoes retail for $109 per pair.
For more information, visit www.cyclonicgolf.com or call 1-877-CYCLONIC. The local number is 302-644-7001.