Watson leads way for Tiger golfers
The 2014 version of the Fort Fairfield High School golf team has some big golf spikes to fill.
Last year’s team capped a very successful season by winning the Aroostook League Championship, and followed that up with a fifth-place finish in the Class C state championships help at Natanis Country Club in Vasalboro.
If the Tigers are to continue with that level of success, a big part of it will come from the efforts of senior golfer Robbie Watson. As a junior, Watson capped off a stellar season by winning the individual Class C boys championship, shooting a one-under-par 71 while winning by an impressive five strokes.
Four golfers have departed from the 2013 squad – No. 2 golfer Noah Bernard and three-time state individual participant Jordann Coiley have left due to graduation. Bernard is currently golfing on the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Past team members Shyla Bouchard and Larry Warner are also gone, both having transferred out of the Fort Fairfield school district.
But Watson is back and is determined in his senior season to repeat the success he accomplished last year. He was active in tournament play all summer, and should continue to be one of the state’s top young golfers. He is currently on the radar of several college golf programs.
Sophomore Jon Bernard, brother of Noah, is the squad’s current No. 2 golfer and has shown much potential in the early going. Senior Vincent Campbell is the number three and is a returnee from a year ago. His experience will be an asset to the team. Newcomer Carter Bruce is filling the fourth spot, and he is working to get better every time out, while junior Emma Huffman, another newcomer, rounds out the roster.
Coach Larry Gardner is excited about the season.
“Currently we are 3-1, our only loss having come to Hodgdon at their course. We are the five-time defending Aroostook League champions and the regional championship is Friday at Aroostook Valley Country Club (Fort Fairfield’s home course), so we get a little home advantage there,” said the veteran coach.
