BY NICK GARDNER
Staff Writer
The seasons and the names may change, but the results are the same for the men’s golf team: a winning record and outstanding individual performances as well as leadership roles.
The team, made up of three seniors, three juniors and two sophomores, took on each match together as a team, ending the season with a 15-4 record, team members said. The team was led throughout the season by junior standout Zack Taylor.
“We have strong potential and the talent to go far,” Taylor said. “But win or lose, we just enjoy playing together and representing Baldwin.”
Not only is Taylor a vocal leader, he leads by example on the course. He was the leader for the Highlanders in scoring. The junior was also the only member of the team to make it to individual regional and state playoffs.
“It is an honor and a cool experience to be representing Baldwin at states again,” Taylor said. “I hope to achieve the success as well as outdo my scores from last year.”
Taylor won WPIALs as a freshman in 2011, building a strong foundation for the future. He has received attention from colleges, specifically Vanderbilt University. Taylor said he would love to continue his golf career beyond high school.
Senior Bailey Cavanaugh and Junior Alexx Suchy both made it to Individual WPIALs, with Suchy coming up three points shy of advancing with Taylor.
The biggest rival for the team is Mt. Lebanon, which they played twice this year. Baldwin lost both matches in a playoff.
“Losing to your biggest rival is an awful experience,” Suchy said. “But we played hard and didn’t give up, which is definitely an accomplishment for the team.”
The second loss to Mt. Lebanon was the most hurtful, since the team would have clinched a team playoff berth with a win.
“It’s not fun to lose to your top competitor, but it’s really not fun losing to your top competitor when you’re playing to get into the playoffs,” Suchy said. “Losing … the second time to Lebanon was extremely heartbreaking, but I know we’ll bounce back next year.”
Staff Writers Allison Koerbel and Morgan Schmitt contributed to the story.
