By Robert Morgan | Published Sunday, March 1, 2009
Bridgeport High School golf coach Jim Caldwell knows the only way his defending district championship teams will be ready to defend their titles is to play against the best.
That was the case last week at a tournament at the Oakmont Country Club in Corinth where several Class 5A and 4A schools played. Bridgeport did not finish in the top half of the team standings, but Caldwell saw plenty of positives after playing against a talented field of teams on a tough course.
The boys tournament was twice the size of the girls as 14 teams competed for the top prize. The Bulls finished 14th with a team score of 371, which was 59 strokes off first place Southlake at 312. Prosper was second at 315, and Coppell was next at 321.
"We did not play very well against a very strong field," Caldwell said. "It was a tough course. I am excited about our young players and their ability to get a lot better in the coming years."
James Coffman had the best day for Bridgeport, carding 88. Plano's Alex Puchula won the individual title with a two-under par 70, four strokes ahead of second-place Joey Schroeder of Lewisville at 74.
Kameron Brazier was next in for the Bulls as he putted a 93 for the day, which was just two strokes in front of teammates Corey Henson and Andrew Vaughn, both at 95. Ethan Coursey was fifth among the BHS group with a 110.
In girls' action, the Sissies struggled on a tough course, but Caldwell saw plenty of improvement in just two weeks.
"The girls played great on a really hard course," he said. "My top two hit the ball well late in the round as they made adjustments."
Bridgeport finished sixth out of seven teams with a score of 453. Denton Guyer won the team title with a round of 373, well ahead of Lewisville at 381 and John Paul II at 398.
Returning letterman Michelle Trickel was the only Sissie to card below 100 as she tallied a 96 for the day. She was just four strokes in front of Paige Walker at 100.
Ashley Lockhart was third among the Bridgeport squad after she posted a 118. Cassie Smith and Xyanthe Williams were next at 139.
"They continue to show great leadership. Ashley and Cassie have been great," Caldwell said. "I know they are not satisfied with their scores, but I am excited about how they continue to improve. Xyan is great to take to tournaments because she is a great competitor that never gives up."
Both teams will return to action Monday in Mansfield.
