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East Lake golf headed back to states

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BY ERIC HORCHY

THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: October 31, 2009

EAST LAKE - If there is one thing that never gets old in sports, it's winning.

Preparing for its third straight trip to the state tournament, the East Lake boys golf team can certainly attest to that.

The Eagles outshot rival Palm Harbor University by two strokes (313 to 315) Monday afternoon at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview to wrap up back-to-back Class 2A Region 4 titles.

"The good thing is that we have some experience," Coach Terry O'Reilly said of his team's depth. "Four of the players (all seniors) have played in the state finals before, so there shouldn't be any surprises out there."

Linzy Clark, Terry O'Reilly, Jr., Jake Johnson and Logan Hand are all senior captains, and freshman Sebastian Hilpl has become a welcomed addition.

"When we started this year, I called the four seniors in and said that there is no No. 1 on this team," O'Reilly said. "On any given day, one of the guys is going to step up. No one has to put the burden on their back because of an off day."

"The surprise has been Sebastian," O'Reilly added. "I think since Linzy and Terry played as freshmen, that helped (Hilpl) along because they remember what it was like. He's just done an outstanding job, though. He fits right in."

As for East Lake's last two trips to states - 2009 will mark the program's fourth overall - the Eagles have finished 12th and 10th, respectively.

Hand said the team is eyeing a stronger finish this year at the Country Club at Silver Springs Shores in Ocala come Tuesday and Wednesday.

"I feel like we should come out with a Top 5 this year," he said, noting how golfers like Johnson are playing stronger than last season. "And with Linzy dropping so many strokes, too, we just have that many more weapons."

Further helping prepare East Lake for what's ahead has been a season full of success at high-level tournaments around the region and state. Not including districts and regionals, the Eagles placed first in four out of five. The only tourney they didn't win - the prestigious 45-team Crutchfield/Hawkins Invitational in Sebring - is disputable. East Lake walked off the 18th green with a one-stroke victory over Cavalry Christian, but ended up in second after a scorecard dispute and single playoff hole.

Despite that slight transgression last month, O'Reilly said the team appears as ready as ever to contend with the state tournament field.

"I think they felt pressure at districts and regions, and it showed. Now they realize no matter what, their high school careers are over, so let's lay it out there and have fun."

"They've grown up together, they've matured together and they have one common goal. They would really love to bring home the state championship to East Lake."

In the school's 26-year history, no team state-title banner hangs from the rafters in the East Lake gymnasium.

Two days, 13,412 yards and 36 holes is what stand in the way of this team possibly changing it all.

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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