Chris Luoma finishes T15 at MHSAA finals

Chris Luoma represented himself and the Chiefs very well at the MHSAA finals this weekend, recording rounds of 76 and 81 for a 157 total. He finished T15 in a field of 90 players. Congratulations Chris!

Chris Luoma advances to MHSAA finals

The team failed to advance to the MHSAA finals, shooting 326 and missing the top 3 positions. Although we are disappointed in the team result, Chris Luoma played well individually taking 5th place (76) and advancing to the MHSAA finals as an individual.

"Swing 'Fore' a Cure" Successful

Our fundraiser "Swing 'fore' a Cure" was a great success, raising $525 for the American Cancer Society in 2 hours. The team had a great time running the event. Thank you to everyone who came out on Friday, and we hope you had fun!

Chiefs Advance to Regionals

The team advanced to the MHSAA Regionals today with second place showing at the MHSAA District Tournament, finishing one stroke out of first place. Individually, Casey Olsen tied for medalist honors recording a score of even par 72 in windy conditions. Chris Luoma shot 78 and finished strong. Our next action is at the MHSAA Regional Tournament on Thursday May 28th at Deer Run Golf Club in Lowell. 12 teams will be competing for 3 spots. See you at Lessons For A Cure tomorrow!!

All League Selections

Congrats to Casey Olsen, Matt Domagalski, and Carson Castellani for earning All-CAAC recognition by the CAAC Coaches.

Golf Lessons 'Fore' A Cure

The team is organizing a fundraiser called GOLF LESSONS 'FORE' A CURE to benefit the American Cancer Society and the fight against breast cancer. We are conducting a golf clinic and lessons on Friday, May 22nd from 3-5pm at MSU Forest Akers East Golf Course and Driving Range. For a donation of $10, you will receive introductory golf instruction from the Okemos Boys Golf Team and Coaching Staff. We are especially encouraging OHS STUDENTS, TEACHERS, and MOMS to attend the event.

SUPPORT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FRIENDS, ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL SPRING WEATHER, AND COME LEARN HOW TO PLAY GOLF!!!!

Equipment will be provided. Tickets are available in advance and are being sold by all varsity players. Walk-ins are welcome, and we will be accepting donations of any amount at the event.

Please email or call Coach Blue with any questions (kevinablue@gmail.com, 517.449.7731).

SEE YOU ON FRIDAY FROM 3-5pm at FOREST AKERS EAST GOLF COURSE!!!!

Chiefs win the West Course round of the East Lansing Invitational

On Friday we fielded a "split-squad" for the 36 hole East Lansing Invitational event at Forest Akers. The "second team" played in the morning on the East Course. Matt Hubbard played well, shooting 79. In the afternoon round, the "first team" shot the lowest round of the day on the West Course with 319. We defeated both Northville and Grand Blanc by one shot. Casey Olsen had the low round of the day on the West Course with 75. The victory today gives us a confidence boost heading into the MHSAA Tournament - the finals of which are being contested at MSU Akers West.

CAAC Champions

Congratulations to the team for winning the CAAC Championship today. We tied for first at the Conference Tournament at Timber Ridge, and finished the regular season with a record of 17-1. Casey Olsen won the CAAC Individual Championship in a playoff (73, +1) with a birdie on the second playoff hole. Carson Castellani also played solid, shooting 75 and finishing in 4th place. Our next action will be a split-squad event at Forest Akers on Friday. After that, it's MHSAA playoff time!

Loss vs Haslett

We lost 314-320 against Haslett at Walnut Hills. Individually, Casey Olsen won medalist honors shooting 71 (-1). Our next action is at the CAAC Tournament on Tuesday (9am shotgun, Timber Ridge).

Win vs. East Lansing

We defeated East Lansing today to move our record to 12-0 in the CAAC. Carson Castellani won medalist honors, shooting 37 on a difficult Akers West setup. Casey Olsen also played steady, shooting 39. Our next action is in a non-league match against Haslett at Walnut Hills on Saturday (12:30pm). The CAAC Tournament is scheduled for Tuesday at Timber Ridge (9am shotgun) - come out and support our team as we finish off a solid year in conference play before starting the MHSAA playoffs.

The guys have earned a couple of inside team jokes to be posted on the blog:
Now I'm Done

Robo-Tiger

Enjoy.

Win vs. Jackson

Our record improved to 11-0 in CAAC play with a close 159-161 victory over Jackson. Casey Olsen was medalist with a very strong score of 35 on a tough day at Forest Akers. Dan Chapman also played solid, shooting 40. All players showed great composure and hit some clutch shots at the end of the round to secure the win. Our final regular season match is Thursday against East Lansing at Forest Akers West at 3pm.

Win vs. Eastern

Our record improved to 10-0 in the CAAC today with a victory by our "all-senior" lineup over Eastern 155-171. Casey Olsen was medalist with 34, and Nathan Stump also played solid posting 38. Our two remaining league dual matches are this week at home on Tuesday vs Jackson (Akers West, 3pm) and Thursday vs East Lansing (Akers West, 3pm).

Win vs. Everett

Our record in CAAC play moved to 9-0 last week with a win over Everett. Matt Domagalski won medalist honors with a 2 under par score of 34, and Chris Luoma also played solid with a round of 37. Our match against Eastern was postponed due to rain, and will be played on Monday. We have big week coming up: At Eastern on Monday, home against Jackson on Tuesday, and home against East Lansing on Thursday.

Traverse City Central Invitational Results

The team didn't play its best golf over the weekend at the Traverse City Central Invitational, but there were plenty of bright spots. Our focus for the week was on game improvement and learning so we will be better prepared to play in the postseason. Full results have yet to be posted, but my best guess is that we finished somewhere between 5th and 7th out of 30 teams (we left before results we official).

This week we compete against Everett on Tuesday (3pm, Chisholm Hills) and Thursday (3pm, Grousbeck). Thursday will feature the "all-senior" lineup of Olsen, Domagalski, Grisdela, Doyle, Stump, and Hubbard.

Win vs Holt

Our record moved to 8-0 in CAAC play after a 154-163 win over Holt at El Dorado in the rain, cold, and wind. Individually, Casey Olsen was steady shooting an even par 36. Chris Luoma also played well, finishing with 37 (+1). Carson Castellani recorded a solid 39 (+3). Up next is the Traverse City Central Invitational on Friday and Saturday of this week.

Brighton Invitational Rained Out

The Brighton Invitational was rained out today after approximately 9 holes. Our next action is Tuesday April 21st vs Holt at El Dorado (Blue Course), starting at 3pm.

Win over Grand Ledge

We moved to 7-0 in the league today with a win over Grand Ledge at Forest Akers, 158-166. Individually, Matt Domagalski played a very solid round of golf recording 9 straight pars en route to even par 36. Casey Olsen had 39, and Nathan Stump contributed with 41. Our next competition is Monday at the Brighton Invitational.

CAAC Preseason Tournament Results

The team is off to a good start with a win at the CAAC Preseason Tournament at Timber Ridge. We shot 315, to beat Jackson (318), East Lansing (318), Grand Ledge (321), Holt (330), Everett (410), and Eastern (441).

Individually, Casey Olsen won medalist honors with a 2 under par 70. He played great all day, spending most of the round at 5 and 6 under par. Matt Domagalski also finished in the top ten (7th) with a 79, showing great mental toughness in his second nine.

Our next competition is Thursday at 330pm vs Grand Ledge at Forest Akers West.

New schedule link

The old link is broken. Here is a new link to the schedule: http://viewmyschedule.digitalsports.com/lmpublic/links/sportsschedule.asp?SCHOOL_SPORT_ID=1138737&SCHED_TYPE=SINGLE&SCHOOL_ID=26348

Tiger is a Solid Player

While this epic putt locked it up for Tiger again, be reminded that he wouldn't have even been close to winning if he wasn't able to save strokes after making mistakes at 14 (plugged in bunker), 16 (pitch out from rough), 18 the day before (up and down for bogey from 140 - no pushups), 1 on the first day (pitch in from 30 yards), and many other great up and downs. His ability to play efficiently and save strokes is what gave him a chance to win.

LeBron enters the Arena

Eric suggested this clip. At 8:25, Lebron talks about success and not being afraid to fail.


Watch CBS Videos Online

Padraig Harrington on "Entering the Arena"

Coach Newton suggested that you guys watch this video which features Padraig Harrington talking about his major victories. The first minute and a half is Wilson clubs promotion stuff, which you can skip, but pay attention after that. Especially at about 4:05 when he says "I understand that you can win and lose in this game. The idea is to put your head on the line, put your neck out there. Take your chances. Some days it will go in, some days it won't. I'll hit the shot, take it on, it's my responsibility, and I can win it here and now."



This is video emphasizes what Coach Bean was talking about yesterday. We want you guys to develop the mindset where you are unafraid to take on a challenge where there is a possibility of failure.

Varsity Captain Interview Schedule

Here is the schedule for the captains interviews on Thursday. Interviews will last approximately 10 minutes and will be held in the school. Specific location of the interviews will be announced on Wednesday. As I mentioned in practice today, questions will be tailored to your individual circumstances and how you could help the team as a captain. If I were you, I would anticipate the types of things we may ask you and have answers prepared.

Carson Castellani 5pm
Dan Chapman 5:15pm
Chris Luoma 5:30pm

Team Photo 5:55pm

Nathan Stump 6:05pm
Brian Grisdela 6:20pm
Matt Domagalski 6:35pm

Meet The Chiefs Program 7:00pm

Please contact me if you have any further questions.

Tryout Information: March 9th and 10th

Players and Parents:

On Monday March 9th and Tuesday March 10th here are the tryout times:

Group 1: Putting technique, 250-350pm, Okemos High School (meet outside athletic office)** Bring putter, 5 golf balls, two irons, and your golf shoes. Also, bring any training aids that you typically use for your putting stroke (if you usually use any).

Bloom, Castellani, Chapman, Domagalski, Doyle, Grisdela, Hubbard, Luoma, Olsen, Stump


Group 2: Full swing practice/tryout, Forest Akers Heated Range, 300-400pm Forest Akers East Course **Bring at least a short iron, mid iron, fairway wood, and driver

Andrews, Choi, Clark, Hepworth, Hollis, Mahoney, Rockwell, Surline, Hopping*, Nilsen*

*Hopping and Nilsen: please stay until 415pm on March 9th.


Group 3: Full swing practice/tryout, Forest Akers Heated Range, 400pm-500pm Forest Akers East Course

**Bring at least a short iron, mid iron, fairway wood, and driver

Group 3: Anderson, Casler, Freund, Hite, Kim, Kosloski, Kribs, Park


I realize that a 4pm start for some of you is inconvenient. Until the weather improves and we are able to hit outside we are faced with the logistical challenge of being limited to a set number of hitting stalls at Forest Akers. In order for all players to get a fair look from the coaches we need to split the squad during tryouts. We will try to rotate tryout times as much as possible.

Varsity Captaincy Application Requirements

Captaincy application requirements:

1. Personal statement that answers the following questions:
(a) In your opinion, what is the role of a captain?
(b) Why would you be a good captain for this team?

2. One (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher or coach.

3. Job interview with coaching staff, which will be held in late March.

All materials must be submitted to Coach Blue on or before March 9th. Please email or call me with any questions.

Opening Meeting: Feb 25th, 7pm, Kiva

We will be having our opening meeting for Varsity and JV golf on February 25th at 7pm in the Kiva at Okemos High School. Any player who wants to play golf this year must attend this meeting, accompanied by at least one parent – we will be discussing eligibility, team selection, team policies, and distributing paperwork. I have checked winter sport schedules and there shouldn’t be any sports-related conflicts on that day.

2009 Boys Varsity Schedule

The competition schedule for Varsity has been finalized, and you can find it by clicking on this link or pasting it in your web browser:

http://www.digitalsports.com/team/id/773371/page/schedule.aspx

As was the case last year, the CAAC preseason and postseason tournaments will be held at Timber Ridge. Our home matches will again be contested at Forest Akers West. All home matches will take place on the front nine this year. Locations for the MHSAA district and regional tournaments are still to be confirmed. The MHSAA state finals will be played on our home course at Forest Akers West.

The JV schedule is still in the process of being finalized.

Badds wishes us luck!

Well wishes from Badds:



Even some PGA Tour players are Chiefs fans!

Tryouts and Team Selection

Several players and parents have asked about tryouts and team selection. The golf season officially opens March 9th, and we will start the tryout/team selection process then. There will be an evening meeting early in March that must be attended by all players who wish to play golf this year and at least one parent. Stay tuned for the specific date, location, and time of this meeting.

Fundraising Update

Everyone is doing a good job selling tickets. Thus far we have sold $2660 worth of Buick Open tickets, half of which our team gets to keep and use for various expenses this year. Keep selling tickets, and make sure you remember to bring in your money or any unused tickets to the athletic office.