Wildcat Golf Team Sets Sights on District Play with Strong Roster

MILL HALL-As the 2024 high school golf season tees off, the Central Mountain Wildcats are looking to build on last year’s success with a team that blends experience and ambition. With 18 players on the roster, including 12 returning athletes, Head Coach John Lodek is optimistic about the team’s potential to make a deep postseason run.

“We have a solid group of returning players who are hungry to take the next step,” said Lodek. “Many of them experienced postseason play last year, and this year, the goal is to advance as a team to district competition. We also have our sights set on winning the PHAC championship.”

Key to the Wildcats’ success this season will be the leadership and play of several standout golfers who have shown significant improvement during the offseason. Evan Walker, Stevan Fisher, Reese Walizer, and Zach St. Clair have all put in the work over the summer and are ready to step into leadership roles.

“These players knew they had to step up after we lost several seniors last year,” Lodek noted. “They’ve worked hard on their game and are prepared to lead the team into the postseason.”

One of the strengths of this year’s squad is the camaraderie and dedication among the players. Many of them spend considerable time together on the golf course, pushing each other to improve and working hard for one another. However, Coach Lodek emphasizes that consistency will be crucial for the team to reach its goals.

“Consistency is always a challenge in golf,” Lodek explained. “Our players have the ability to shoot low scores, but we need to be able to repeat that good golf consistently throughout the season. That’s going to be our main focus.”

As for the competition, Lodek anticipates that the match against Jersey Shore will be particularly tough. Last year, Central Mountain and Jersey Shore were co-league champions, and both teams will be eager to claim the title outright this season.

“I expect Jersey Shore to be our toughest match,” Lodek said. “But every match is challenging, so we focus on one at a time and don’t look ahead.”

With Coach Lodek at the helm and a motivated group of players, the Central Mountain Wildcats are poised for a strong season. The team’s journey begins with a commitment to consistency and mental toughness, as they aim to bring home a PHAC championship and advance to district play.