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Season Preview: Boys’ golf driving to be competitive

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The boys’ golf team. / Photo by: Sue Moss

The boys’ golf team hopes to hang tough this season.

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

That’s Brian Dempsey’s message to his Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ golf team.

“This sport, unlike others, will stay with these players for the rest of their lives, so the more they can get out of it now, the better off they will be down the road,” said the 10th-year head coach. “We may not win every match, and we may not always have the best shots, but if we can accept that and always try to play present, we can hopefully gain a lot more.”

The Panthers are coming off a 1-10 abbreviated campaign last fall. Additionally, they graduated five seniors, headlined by 2020 Patriot League Keenan Division All-Star Aidan Miller.

“The overall goal this year is to not just enjoy the season and make the most of it, but to be as competitive as we are capable,” Dempsey said. “… this year will look very different than what most of the team has come to know over the past couple of years. Of course we want to stay competitive and put ourselves in a position to win, but the reality is that nothing is guaranteed and I really want the team to appreciate what they have. All that being said, if we can maintain a positive attitude and enjoy our time together and on the course, I think that ultimately helps us to accomplish our goal.”

Dempsey said he believes his team’s strength is its balance.

“We have wide range of talent, experience, and ages, which I think can help to keep things in perspective for us and not let anyone feel like they are either outnumbered, outplayed, or most importantly, left out,” Dempsey said. “I’m hopeful that our leadership can help to mend any gaps between them and utilize everyone’s experiences to better the team.”

As for improvements, Dempsey said he wants his club to focus on understanding the game a bit more.

“Realizing that practice isn’t just pounding through a bucket of balls at the range, but instead being deliberate with our choices and being purposeful in our approach to it,” Dempsey said.

Seniors Matt Casarano, Pat McBroom, Chris Ross and Drew Sullivan will captain the Panthers.

“All four of these guys bring something different to the table, whether it’s the experience, academics, work ethic, grit [or] resilience,” Dempsey said. “Hopefully because there are four of them, it takes the pressure off of each of them to relax and be able to play more comfortably and consistently, while modeling good work habits to the rest of the team.”

McBroom is W-H’s No. 1 golfer, but Sullivan has also shown some improvements, according to Dempsey.

“I’m hoping that more players can step up and surprise us with their talent,” Dempsey said.
There’s a chance it could be a newcomer. The Panthers boast six on this year’s squad.
“Everyone who is new to the team seems to really love the sport and is enthusiastic about improving,” Dempsey said. “We have one freshman, Cooper Britton, who brings a lot of tournament play experience and dedication to the sport to the team, so we’re also excited about that.”

W-H is back in action Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m. when it hosts North Quincy at Ridder Farm Golf Course.

“I really just want to see our team be competitive and show that they care,” Dempsey said. “There’s a fine line in golf about getting too upset about a shot, hole, score, or match and not showing any concern at all, but I’m hopeful that we can be a respectful team, regardless of wins and losses, and can learn from our experiences to hopefully grow as a team and individuals.”

Season Review: Boys’ golf stays the course during shortened season

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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.”

‘Tis the season: Panther athletes get set to play on a very different field

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The fall sports season starts on Friday, Sept. 18 at Whitman-Hanson Regional High.

The wait is almost over.

After nearly six months without high school sports, the fall season is finally set to get underway tomorrow at Whitman-Hanson Regional High.

Cross country, field hockey, boys’ golf, soccer and girls’ volleyball will all begin practice. Football and fall cheerleading were moved to February.

“These have been difficult times for all of us, but especially our kids,” said W-H athletic director Bob Rodgers. “I am so excited to see them back with their coaches and teammates. I’m not sure people truly understand how much being part of a team means to our students but I know this will help them deal with these uncertain times.

“Our teachers have been working so hard for the return to school and the same holds true for our coaches. I hope everyone remembers that this is uncharted territory for all of us and we will do the best we can to serve our students the best we can. We will learn as we go and adjust when necessary.”

There are a few major changes coming to some sports. Field hockey will be played 7-on-7 instead of 11-on-11. There will be no throw-ins, slide tackling or heading the ball in soccer.

“This season is most certainly challenging, but we will meet this challenge with a covered smile,” said boys’ soccer head coach Dave Leahy.

That feeling is universal.

“I’m very excited that we get the chance to play this season,” said girls’ soccer junior Kelsee Wozniak. “It’s definitely going to be a challenge with the new rules, but the fact we even are allowed to play is great.”

Said girls’ volleyball junior Lily Welch: “All of my teammates and I are super excited about having a season. Even though it’s hard under the guidelines, we have all been getting together and training with each other. We have also had the chance to be teachers and work with the incoming freshman and I love that.”

There also won’t be a state tournament, but Wozniak said she’ll have no issue staying motivated playing in the Patriot League.

“We play in a very strong conference with talented teams,” she said. “Our goal is to compete and win our league. That will drive us every day to work very hard as a team.”

Regardless of what this upcoming season will look like or even how it may play out, one thing is certain heading into it.

“I can’t wait to get started,” said boys’ and girls’ cross country head coach Steve George.

Season Review: Boys’ golf found its stroke

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The Panthers. / Photo by: Sue Moss

Sitting with a 3-11 record heading into the final match of the season — against perennial powerhouse Duxbury — head coach Brian Dempsey had a clear message for his Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ golf team.

“I simply told them to go out and have fun,” said the eighth-year head coach.

The match was senior night, to boot.

“Outside of them just trying to play smart and play for their pride, I asked each player to recognize the five seniors in the lineup and play for them,” Dempsey said.

And they did. Buoyed by a 3-over par 39 from junior Aidan Miller, the Panthers beat the Dragons for the third straight year, 268-270.

“I couldn’t have been more proud of the team for not only pulling off another upset win over Duxbury, but to do it after a really mentally draining season,” Dempsey said.

And a mentally draining season it was. W-H fell to Keenan Division champion Hingham by one stroke and narrowly fell to both Fisher Division co-champions, Hanover and Scituate, by three strokes and five strokes, respectively.

“I can’t really pinpoint exactly what kept us out of the win column more, but I think overall it was as simple as inconsistency,” Dempsey said. “Although we had a handful of golfers step up for us to lead the field in scoring throughout the season, it was rare that everyone had a performance like that on the same day.  The few times that we did, we came within one stroke of taking down Hingham, we beat Duxbury, and earned our other three victories.”

Senior captain Matt Korzec and Miller led the way this season. Korzec was the Panthers’ top golfer and Miller was close behind. Korzec was the team’s lone league all-star, and Miller’s season didn’t end until the Division 2 state golf finals.

“They were less than half a of a stroke within each other in average over par,” Dempsey said. “Needless to say, they were a special duo.”

Both heavily embodied the team strength: character.

“From the important leadership of the captains, to the snacks provided by the generous parents after each match, to the goofy team text messages, this team was filled with a lot of character,” said Dempsey, whose team also received contributions from senior captains Ian Brown and Brian Fox as well as sophomores Chris Ross and Pat McBroom. “This year’s team was definitely that: a team. We’ve had a few really good teams in the past, but this year, I feel like everyone really meshed well and complemented each other’s play and personality.”

Dempsey said he firmly believes the team is in a good place heading into the offseason, but does have a lot of areas to grow.

“We have a lot of talented golfers who, should they decided to commit themselves to the game and put the time in, could really turn some heads moving forward,” said the coach. “I’m looking forward to working with a lot of these guys again next and seeing where they are at, but I’m also excited to see what kind of new talent comes out for the team.”

“Either way, I feel as though we’re in good hands moving forward because of the culture that our leaders on the team this year, and years prior, have helped to establish.”

Miller represents W-H boys’ golf in state finals

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Aidan Miller. / Courtesy photo

Whitman-Hanson Regional High junior Aidan Miller made it to the state golf finals.

For six of the past eight seasons, the Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ golf team has been represented in the Div. 2 state finals.

This year, it was Aidan Miller sporting the Panther red and black against some of the states best on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Taconic Golf Club in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

The junior carded a 13-over par 81, which was tied for 51st in a field of 102 golfers.

Miller headlines the Panthers’ returnees next fall.

“Aidan had a great season,” said W-H head coach Brian Dempsey. “It was fun to interact with him and watch him consistently elevate his play throughout the year. Needless to say, we are thrilled to have him back next year.

“We are looking forward to seeing him lead the squad next season and hopefully have another impressive postseason run.”

Season Preview: Fresh start, new challenges for boys’ golf

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The senior captains. / Photo by: Sue Moss

With many new contributors, the boys will be looking to bounce back from a 6-11 campaign last fall.

The post-Manning era has officially begun for the Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ golf team.

For the first time in eight years, there isn’t a Manning brother on the roster. Yup, it still feels a little strange for eighth-year W-H head coach Brian Dempsey. First there was Cole (2012-15) and Cam (2012-14) and then the last one to graduate this past June, Owen. A two-year captain and two-year Patriot League All-Star, Owen leaves an immense void on and off the course.

“Owen, along with the entire Manning family, will never fully be able to be replaced,” Dempsey said. “What they did for the program and their teammates is something that I recognize as something special. But as we do each year, we move forward and get excited for the guys we have in front of us.”

W-H will be led by a trio of captains in seniors Ian Brown, Brian Fox and Matt Korzec, as it looks to bounce back from a 6-11 season that resulted in missing the tournament for just the second time in the last six years.

“I’m confident that these guys will be excellent leaders, in part because of what they were able to learn from Owen, along with last year’s co-captain Ed Scriven,” Dempsey said. “I can’t say enough about the veteran leadership on the team and the commitment that each of them has made in the offseason to bettering their skills, while also creating a fun and inviting environment.”

Korzec was in W-H’s top four last season.

“He approaches the game the right way and plays with a lot of integrity,” Dempsey said. “We’re looking to lean on him this year not just for his play but his role as a captain as well – he’s already been stepping up in terms of working with his teammates and, again, helping to create a positive atmosphere for the team overall.”

Junior Aidan Miller often battled it out with Korzec for the team’s No. 2 golfer last fall.

“Aidan has always been a worker on the team – he’s not the loudest kid in the clubhouse, but he’s a solid leader through his actions and work ethic,” Dempsey said “He has always been a consistent golfer, who appreciates and respects the game. I think having him as an upperclassman now will really benefit the team, as he’s always positive and beginning to be a bit more vocal and share some of his knowledge of the game.”

After being cut as a freshman and being utilized as a practice player during his sophomore year, Brown surprised last fall, playing in every match. He’s now viewed as a key contributor heading into this fall.

“Not only has he drastically improved his play each year, but his positive attitude and love for the game is hard to miss,” said Dempsey. “He takes his role as captain and position on the team very seriously and we would not be the same team without him.”

Fox’s golf career follows a similar script as Brown’s. He’s also going to be relied upon heavily.

“[Brian] has put a ton of work into his game over the offseason, and I’ve really been impressed with his improvement so far,” Dempsey said. “On top of that, Brian is a natural leader – he’s caring, understanding, and approachable, but at the same time, has the desire to push himself and his teammates to improve each day.”

Junior Graham Stewart and sophomore Pat McBroom should also chip in significantly this season.

The Panthers open the season Thursday, Sept. 5 at 3:30 p.m. at home (Ridder Farm Golf Course) against league opponent Scituate.

“I just want the team to play present as we often say, and enjoy the ride,” Dempsey said. “If you don’t get caught up in what everyone else is doing and focus on what you are doing and where/how you can improve, the rest will work itself out.”

Season Review: Golf team makes strides

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The golf team. / Photo by: Sue Moss

The golf team finished the season with a 6-11 record.

Although the Whitman-Hanson Regional High golf team failed to meet head coach Brian Dempsey’s goal of qualifying for the tournament, it made strides elsewhere.

For starters, senior captain Owen Manning put forth a career. Along with being named team MVP again and Patriot League All-Star, he qualified for the Div. 2 state finals, where he carded a 7-over par 79 to advance to the Mass Golf Junior Amateur Championship.

“This was definitely Owen’s best season,” the seventh-year head coach said. “He was much more consistent this year, always placing in the top two or three scorers for each match. He’s worked really hard to get here and having missed the cut last year by only one stroke, I know he was hungry to get back and prove himself.”

It was Manning 2-over par 36 that pushed the Panthers, who finished the year 6-11, over Duxbury, 238- 245, and a 3-0 start.“Beating them was a huge morale boost,” Dempsey said. “This gave everyone confidence that they can compete with other teams, even without the experience from year’s prior.”

The morale boost didn’t come from Manning’s showing, but rather came from junior Matt Korzec (2-over), senior Pat Dever (6-over) and junior Ian Brown (7-over) turning in key performances.

Brown continued to shoot well the following match, a 232-239 victory over Plymouth North, with a 3-over. From playing in one match the previous season, Brown took a significant step forward.

“From his change in his swing, to his willingness to step up to lead the team and younger players, Ian was a huge factor for us,” Dempsey said. “I’m really looking forward to see how his game improves even more for next year.”

Korzec shot a 4-over and sophomore Aidan Miller carded a 5-over in the win. Both battled it out all fall for the team’s No. 2 golfer.

“Statistically they didn’t have their best years, but their love for the sport and friendly competition will help them for next year,” Dempsey said.

After the Plymouth North triumph, the Panthers endured a rough patch. It began with a 250-252 loss to Silver Lake and spiraled into dropping 10 of their next 12.

“I think everyone started to realize that the pressure was building to maintain that type of play,” Dempsey said. “Couple that with the frequent bad weather, cancelations, and the fact that we then went on the road to some really difficult courses and teams, and reality kind of hit us hard. They finished strong and played really well against Hingham at South Shore Country Club despite the loss.”

Dempsey said he’s eager to see who steps up for the team next fall.

“I’m looking forward to next year [with] so many unknowns,” Dempsey said. “It will again be a blank canvas for us to figure out who we are and what we need to do. Anyone on the team can be the standout next year.”

Setting the tone: Owen Manning drives the W-H golf team to success

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Manning against East Bridgewater earlier this season. / Photo by: Sue Moss

Patriot League All-Star and two-year captain Owen Manning sets the tone for the Whitman-Hanson Regional High golf team, on and off the course.

It was the first day of school at Whitman-Hanson Regional High, which also happened to be the hottest day in two months, as the temperature approached the century mark.

The heat caused many coaches around state to cancel practice. W-H golf head coach Brian Dempsey decided that rather than forcing his team’s way through a sluggish day on the course, he was going to hold a meeting in his classroom. The Panthers went over rules and exceptions for the season.

It was what happened at the conclusion of that team meeting that set the tone for their 2018 campaign. Senior captain Owen Manning organized a trip down the course and brought along a number or his teammates – many of whom were underclassmen – and led them in putting drills for nearly two hours. The session consisted of playing the game “the wheel,” where each player gets a partner that they start opposite and if they miss the putt, they stay at their spot. A made putt advances the player, as they try to catch their opponent.

Freshman Patrick McBroom’s outlook on high school golf shifted after that practice.

“I just found out that [golf] was a commitment more than just being on the team,” McBroom said. “Some of us stayed that first day because we all have something to work on and can always get better. People always tell me that the short game is where we lose strokes, so I decided to dedicate my time at the range that day to just that.”

Sophomore Aidan Miller also took part in the session.

“Practices like that are what really help us get better,” Miller said. “Games like we play at practice help with concentration [and] teamwork.”

Manning said he felt it was his duty to act as a captain and pitch in when and where he can to try and set a standard for everyone to follow. 

“I just wanted to get the reps in and be dedicated to the sport,” Manning said of the first practice. “I love doing it and if I’m doing it, it’s going to show the other kids that they should do it. It really helps them.”

Dempsey said it came as no surprise to him when he caught wind of what his captain had organized.

“They were there for hours practicing doing drills and he’s leading them through that and everything,” the seventh-year head coach explained. “Everyone is still doing those same drills and he kind of set that tone early on, which again is a huge credit to him.”

It was a tone that was essential to set when he did, especially after the graduation of nine seniors, which opened the door for five freshmen, two sophomores, one junior and a senior to join the roster. Dempsey noted his club was expected to fall off from last season, when it went 9-8 and made the tournament for the fourth time in five seasons, but instead it’s done anything but take a step back. Through the Panthers’ first eight matches, they sit at 5-3. They opened at 5-1, their best start that Dempsey can recall.

“Where we’re so young, there’s so many inexperienced players, and there’s so many kids on the team that and they don’t really know what the norm is,” Dempsey said, “and in a lot of ways, that’s to our advantage. The things they’re starting early on, that’s all these kids know.”

Manning has been a steady presence since he joined the team as a freshman, but since being named a captain last season as a junior, he’s become a source of intelligence for Dempsey, who relies heavily on him.

“At the range, practice days, even before matches and stuff, he’s always someone I call over and just say, ‘Hey, what are you seeing on the course?'” Dempsey said. “I can’t be with every single player. He is very much like another coach on the team. I trust what he says.”

It’s a trust and confidence Dempsey has in Manning that the senior has built over the years. Last season, Manning was tabbed the team MVP and named a Patriot League All-Star. Against Duxbury, he carded a 2-over 36 to help the Panthers knock off the Dragons for the first time ever.

“He’s just grown a lot,” Dempsey said. “He’s really matured. He’s kind of come into his own. He’s more confident in who he is as a person and as a golfer.”

Golf is a family affair for Manning that stems from his father and has carried on into the next generation.

“It was mostly my dad who talked me into playing golf, but [my brothers], Cole and Cam, have been a big part of it,” Manning said. “They’ve been mostly a little better than me, so it gives me the edge to get out there and be as good as them and beat them when we play together.”

A Manning has been penned on the golf team’s roster for seven straight seasons. Cole played under Dempsey from 2012-2015 and Cam played from 2012-2014. Dempsey said he sees a lot of similarities in their approaches to the game.

“They put time in at the range [and] they put in the time at the putting greens,” Dempsey said. “They do the things that aren’t considered fun by most kids, but it pays off.”

So far this season, Manning has picked up where he left off last fall. He paced the Panthers to a season-opening win against North Quincy (2-over par 36), led the team to a win against Duxbury again (2-over par 36) and was match medalist in a triumph over Quincy (7-over par 42).

“I’ve improved a lot,” Manning said. “My game’s just developed a lot. Practicing chipping and putting is a big help because that’s where you shave the strokes off right there – the chipping and putting – the short game.”

Manning said his goals for the rest of the season are to continue to leave a positive and long-lasting impression on the rest of his teammates.

“I try to step up big when we go to the range,” he said. “Help other kids with their swing, do some drills with them and help them improve their game as much as possible.”

Season Preview: Golf team shooting for competitiveness

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The Panthers during their Sept. 10 match. / Photo by: Sue Moss

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High golf team is shooting to remain on course.

When asked of his team’s goal for the new season, Whitman-Hanson Regional High golf head coach Brian Dempsey replied with a two-part answer.

“This year, our day-to-day goal is to stay competitive,” Dempsey said. “Our team this year is very inexperienced, which can definitely make things a little unclear when it comes to matches. That being said, we have some players that have a lot of talent and many others that have the potential to make a big impact.

“Ultimately, our larger goal is to qualify for the state tournament. If we can stay focused, learn from our teammates’ and our own play, I’m confident we can accomplish both.”

As Dempsey had hinted, achieving competitiveness can often lead to making the tournament. That’s a feat W-H’s accomplished four of the last five seasons.

The Panthers will have their work cut out for them, however, after the graduation of nine players, headlined by three of their top four golfers – JP Drier, Nik Duffy and Anthony Palmacci.

Palmacci, one of W-H’s two Patriot League All-Stars last season, shot a 1-over-par to help the Panthers knock off Duxbury for their first win ever over the Dragons.

“Losing Palmacci in the lineup is definitely tough, but with three of the top four spots open this year due to graduating seniors, I’m really excited to see some of our younger guys step in and have the chance to shine,” the seventh-year head coach, whose team went 9-8 last season, said.

The Panthers do return their top golfer and senior four-year player Owen Manning. The two-time captain was a league all-star last fall and posted a 4.1-over-par average.

“Owen is a special player not just because of his ability, but his approach and demeanor before, during and after play sets him apart as well,” Dempsey said.

Fellow senior Ed Scriven will serve as a captain along with Manning. Scriven, who has been on the team since he was a sophomore, emerged as a vital part of W-H’s rotation last fall when he shot a 6-overpar at Furnace Brook Golf Course, a place he shot nearly a 60 the season prior.

“Aside from Ed’s impressive jump in the lineup because of his skill, Ed is really special in terms of his personal leadership,” Dempsey said. “He’s always looking to lend a helping hand, give advice, or share stories, there are few times you will see this kid without a smile on his face.”

Dempsey noted sophomore Aidan Miller and juniors Matt Korzec and Ian Brown will be key this season, while senior Pat Dever could surprise some people.

W-H will be back in action Thursday, Sept. 13 at 3:30 p.m. with a home contest at Ridder Farm Golf Course against league rival Duxbury.

“In the opening weeks, we have some tough matchups for sure, but if we can stay competitive, and not get caught up in the upcoming weeks of the season, we should be alright,” Dempsey said. “I always tell my guys to play present and focus on the task at hand, one shot at a time. If we can stay true to that, I think we can not only reach our season goals, but maybe even surpass them.”

Season Review: Golf stays on course: Panthers put forth another solid season

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The Whitman-Hanson Regional High golf team. / Photo by: Sue Moss

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ golf team qualified for the state tournament for the fifth time in the past seven years this season.

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ golf team turned in another steady campaign on the course this fall.

Under the watch of head coach Brian Dempsey, the Panthers posted a 9-8 record and qualified for the state tournament for the fifth time in the past seven years.

In the Division 2 South (Cape & Islands) Sectional qualifying round – held at Easton Country Club on Oct. 24 – W-H was represented by seniors Tommy Bombardier, JP Drier (captain), Nick Duffy and Anthony Palmacci, junior Owen Manning (captain) and sophomore Matt Korzec.

The Panthers shot a 336 as a team, which was good for ninth. Manning was W-H’s top performer as he carded a 79 and missed the state tournament by one stroke.

“Every year, the team’s main goal is to quality for the state tournament, which puts us in a position to give six of our players a chance to move on to the state finals,” Dempsey explained. “I definitely consider this year a success – entering this year, our team was pretty much unknown around the league, and in my opinion, was probably written off. Though we had a slow start, we not only found our identity, but shocked a few teams.”

Shocked a few teams is right — on Oct. 11, with their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, the Panthers downed Duxbury by a final score of 232-241. The triumph was the their first ever over the Dragons. Dempsey said going into that match his team’s mindset was to play smart, consistent golf.

“I can’t remember a time where I was as excited for the guys on the team than I was for them this year after upsetting Duxbury,” Dempsey said. “You can’t strategize or plan for things to happen in golf like you can in most other sports, but on that day, it was as if we executed our game plan perfectly, which is why, as a whole team, we were able to beat Duxbury for the first time; everyone did their part, and everyone earned the win.”

In the victory, Palmacci scored a 1-over-par and Manning, who was paired with him for the match, shot a 2-over par to help set the tone.

Just a week prior, the Panthers took a tough Hingham team down to the wire before falling, 223-230.

However, it wasn’t always easy sledding this autumn for the Panthers who sat at 1-3 after a 261-266 loss to Plymouth South on Sept 14. Dempsey said he believes strength of schedule played into the Panthers’ struggles as their first three losses came to Silver Lake (231-239), Hingham (256-279) and Plymouth South, all of which ended the season with winning records.

But following that Plymouth South defeat, W-H turned a corner, and turned it the next day by downing East Bridgewater, 263-312. The victory propelled them to wins in five of their next eight matches which pulled them above .500 at 7-6 as a bevy of players began to step up. One player who was a pivotal part in the Panthers’ success this fall was Manning, who was their top golfer. Dempsey said Manning is a true role model on and off the field and he is excited to have him back in the fold next season.

“His approach to the game is so calm and methodic, which is what allows him to play so consistently throughout the season,” Dempsey, who will lose nine seniors off this team’s roster, explained. “He has improved so much from where he was last year as not only a player, but as a teammate and leader as well. What I appreciate about Owen so much is his ability to remain calm throughout his round and to be able to focus on the next hole.”

As the Panthers head into the offseason, one thing is certain: they’re in a good spot.

“I’m very proud of the recent success of the program,” Dempsey said. “I give all the credit to the leadership on the team each year. The commitment of players to the sport continues to grow every year.”