The boys’ golf team before its match against North Quincy. / Photo by: Sue Moss
Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ golf team head coach Brian Dempsey said the shortened season helped build his club’s character.
The Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ golf team was just excited to have a season.
“We came into this season, first of all, without even knowing if we’d get to play, so I was thrilled to give the kids, especially the seniors, a chance for a season, even if it was abbreviated,” said ninth-year head coach Brian Dempsey.
The Panthers finished the abbreviated campaign 1-10 and part of that can be attributed to their tough schedule. Due to the pandemic, they squared off against Patriot League Keenan Division foes Duxbury, Hingham, Marshfield, Plymouth North and Silver Lake twice apiece and dropped each match. W-H’s lone win came in a crossover contest against North Quincy (256-272).
“Of course it’s never easy to have to play all the top contenders of the league in a season, where every match you are considered the underdog, but to an extent, I feel like that helped to lessen the pressure of the season for us,” Dempsey said. “We knew that we were supposed to lose on paper, but we were able to produce some pretty competitive and impressive scores along the way. I think what hurt us most this season is the lack of experience.”
Senior captain Aidan Miller was the Panthers’ only four-year starter and he finished his career strong, as he was named W-H league all-star.
“His consistent and steady play made him our most reliable player by far, but also will leave a huge gap for us next year in the lineup,” Dempsey said. “We will not be able to replace Aidan, but I am so appreciative of everything he stood for and done for our program over the past four years.”
Fellow seniors Graham Stewart and Nick Daly, along with juniors Matt Casarano, Pat McBroom and Chris Ross were also contributors for W-H.
Dempsey said the Panthers’ strength was their mental approach on the course.
“Although there were clear moments of frustration and excitement along the way, overall, the team rolled with the highs and lows, appreciating the opportunities and enjoying the chance to fit the season in,” he said.
Dempsey said despite the Panthers’ record he was pleased with his club this season.
“This year we tried not to put too much pressure on ourselves, knowing that we didn’t have as much experience in matches as previous years; however, we looked at it as somewhat of a challenge to take those opportunities and get the most out of them,” Dempsey said. “This year, I can definitely say that our team is filled with character, potential, and way more talent than our record indicated.”