2009 Varsity Golf Summary

The Avon Old Farms varsity golf team had a solid 2009 campaign, posting a regular season record of eighteen wins and only five losses. In tournament play, Avon finished first in the Coppola Cup. Level-headed play combined with solid course management allowed Avon to repeat as cup champions in 2009. Unfortunately, Avon faltered during the Founders League tournament and finished the day with a fifth place result. This disappointing finish acted as a stimulus for the team and refocused the entire squad. Realizing the importance of consistent play, the Avon golfers had an impressive second place finish at the Kingswood Invitational Tournament (KIT). Avon was one of twenty-three schools in this event, and just missed winning the 2009 KIT title by two strokes. However, Avon ended the season on a successful note, as Avon’s Marcel Levesque ’10 captured the individual title at the Eastern Interscholastic Golf Association (EIGA) tournament. Marcel improved during each round of the tournament, and on the final day, posted a round of 70 (E). Captain Jack Knobloch '09 finished fourth overall, and in doing so, posted his two best rounds of the spring season. As a team, the Winged Beavers finished third in the Horace D. Taft Cup (4-man team) and second in the The Frank Heyniger Bowl (3-man team) with these solid scores from Marcel and Jack.

The 2009 varsity ladder consisted of the following players: Marcel Levesque ’10, Jack Knoblock ’09, Jack Winkler ’10, Parker Bova ’10, Fernando Maura ’10, and Tyler Donahue ’09, all of who made notable contributions at different times throughout the season. Senior, J.P. Rotchford was also an important member of this years squad and played as an alternate for most the season.

A two-year member of the varsity golf program, Jack Knobloch ’09 has been a true leader for the team. During the last two seasons, Jack has been a standout on the varsity ladder. As captain, he has been an effective leader, who not only motivated his teammates, but often proved to be a valuable golfer, whose individual scores often determined the outcome of each match. For all his successes during his career at Avon, Jack Knobloch was awarded the 2009 Coach’s Award.

Jack Winkler ’10 earned the team’s 2009 Most Improved Player. Making the transition from junior varsity golf in 2008 to varsity golf this spring, Jack proved to be a valuable addition to the team. Throughout the season, he demonstrated a strong degree of determination, which helped him escalate his play as the season progressed. This was clearly evident as Jack achieved medalist honors during the Coppola Cup. Jack’s level-headed playing style always gave him the upper-hand in head-to-head matches and allowed him to play an instrumental role in the success of the team this season.

Marcel Levesque ’10 was the backbone of the 2009 varsity squad. In addition to playing consistent golf throughout the spring, he was able to push the entire squad to play at a higher level. For this, Marcel earned the Tom and Dottie Purnell Most Valuable Player Golf Award. This season, Marcel also finished the year with the lowest 9-hole stroke average on the team. Finally, his fourth place finish in the KIT was a key score in the team’s second-place finish.

Varsity golf will miss seniors Jack Knobloch, Tyler Donahue, and JP Rotchford, who have all demonstrated consistent play throughout the season. Clearly, this year’s squad leaves large shoes to fill, but hopefully members of AOF’s junior varsity golf team will improve their game over the summer and make the jump up to varsity next spring. Congratulations to all members of the 2009 varisty golf team and best of luck to Jack, Tyler, and JP next year in college!