By Nick Cosgrove
Staff Writer
Hammond’s golf team has gone through ups and downs this season, but the East Side Iron Skillet tournament was a triumphant moment for the team. In the matchup against Oakland Mills and the newly established Guilford Park, Hammond’s boys golf squad emerged victorious with a score of 36, demolishing Guilford Park’s 19 and Oakland Mills’ 7. The team’s MVP was captain Mason Walls, leading the group with 17 points. This is the third consecutive year that Hammond’s boys team has brought home the Iron Skillet. Although they did not win the tournament as a whole, Hammond’s girls team showed out as well and got their first win of the season at the event, beating Guilford Park 3-0.
Even if Hammond is still searching for sustained success this season, the atmosphere of the team remains unmatched. Girl’s team member and junior Annika Vallurupalli said, “Everyone on the team is very nice and supportive; we’re all together.” Sophomore John Louie of the boy’s team was in similarly high spirits, saying the Iron Skillet was, “very fun and exciting.” Opinions of the team’s fearless leader (and Hammond Bear Press advisor and English teacher) Coach Osborne are especially high, with senior Julia D’Aguanno describing him as, “a very passionate coach.”
The results of the tournament were not a surprise to senior member Kevin Barry, who confidently declared prior to the match that it would be, “easy W’s for the city boys.” Barry also had confidence for the future of Hammond’s golf program, stating, “We have a lot of strong underclassmen, and we have great spirit, so I’m very hopeful for the future of the golf team.” He especially praised Mason Walls for being named team captain as a junior. Coach Osborne also spoke highly of several young team members, including freshmen Colin Striker and Daksh Bahl, saying they should be, “good for years to come.” Walls is looking ahead to next season in a more quantitative way, saying “I want to win at least 4 games next year; improve our winning percentage.”
For those inspired by this story of triumph, victory, and a team on the rise, the golf team is still accepting members, both this year and for the future. As Coach Osborne said, “If you’re looking for a fall sport come see me, we’d love to have you,” noting that “for the ladies: it is show ups, not try outs.”
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