Perfect Panther Girl Golfers Capture SWC Title, Aim for State Tournament

Seven years of hard work and dedication came to fruition for the Masuk High girls golf team May 24.

Led by sterling scores of 95 from senior captain Jamie O’Meara and sophomore Carlie O’Meara, the Panthers shot 391 to best Lauralton Hall, Weston High, Bunnell High and Brookfield High in the 18-hole, par 74 SouthWest Conference (SWC) League Championship at Orange Hills Country Club. It is the Panthers' first SWC championship in its seven-year history and puts a fitting bow on an impressive 19-3-1 season that also included an undefeated streak in the SWC for the league's regular season title.

“When we began back in 2005 victories were non-existent,” said Masuk coach Peter Schmitt. “We took our lumps in getting here.”

A team effort separated the Panthers from the bottom of the pack over the years and it took a solid effort from the Panthers' top five to seal that first title.

Junior Monika McCarter contributed a 96 at the SWC Championship and senior Suz Rowan hit a 105. Only the top four individual scores are used for the team's final score, but senior Tate Strack can be proud of a strong 110.

“It has been very satisfying to see the progress that the seniors have made since their freshman year,” Schmitt said. “Each has developed their game to become very good golfers. Jamie, Suz and Tate have each shown consistent growth and improvement and worked hard to bring the program to this point.”

Masuk now waits until June 2 to hear if it qualified for the state tournament set for June 7. Selection for the state tournament is based upon team differential and not overall record. Only the top 15 teams in the state make the tournament. The differential measures a team's match scores versus the course ratings. Each golf course is unique and varies in difficulty.

“Our differentials have improved tremendously over the years” said Schmitt. “Last year we missed making states by just a point or two, and this year we set making the state tournament as our primary team goal. It would be a nice ending to the season and a note of accomplishment to our seniors as they play their final high school match.”

Although the team’s immediate focus is on the state tournament, Schmitt is already looking forward to next season’s prospects.

“We have several strong golfers coming back next year,” he said. “Monika shot consistently in the 40s this season, battling with Jamie for team number one, and Carlie improved her match average each week, posting a school record 42 on the par 37 back nine at Whitney Farms in a rain-soaked match in late May. We also have some very good prospects from our JV program who have been working with coach Joe Caruso that I am sure will step up to the varsity program next year.”

In all, Schmitt is ecstatic with his team's performance and credits everyone involved for the successful season.

“This has been a good run so far and we hope it continues on June 7. We have had great support from the school, the staff at Whitney Farms Golf Course and especially our parents who do some much for the girls and the program,” he said.