Trojans field seasoned boys, girls with no varsity meets Fairfield boys likely contender for conference championship with 4 returning letterwinners

FAIRFIELD - This golf season has a different feel to it with athletes not able to have a season last year because of COVID-19.

It is so different that there will not be a girl with high school experience on the Fairfield team for the first time in a long time, according to head coach Joe Kruzich, who is in Year 14 at the helm of the program.

The Trojans boys are at the other end of the spectrum with four players returning that have varsity experience.

Boys head coach Mick Flattery is confident in their abilities and their dedication to the sport in the year the high schools didn't play. Flattery is at 30 years coaching so he knows just what his team needs and that is time on the course.

'These guys have played a lot, both last year with no season and have been out on the course a lot this season,” Flattery said.

Two seniors return in Brad Smithburg and Jeremy Crile. Two juniors are back in Evan Haines and Nate Smithburg.

'We have a good chance of contending for the title,” Flattery said. 'Mt. Pleasant does too with many guys that they have back. And I could see Washington possibly contending as well.”

Other team members are juniors Ethan Hunger, Brendon Marcellus and Gannon Scott. Sophomores are Max Weaton, Dave Eisner, Austin Lisk and Khai Klehm. Freshman Sam Weaton is out as well.

Fairfield players missing their senior season were Josh Brewington, Cam Ledger, and Drake Rippey. Brewington averaged 48.5 on nine holes and Rippey averaged 51. but Brad Smithburg returns with his 43 average. Nate Smithburg had a 50 average while Haines was at a 49 average and Crile 47. Brad Smithburg had the low nine holes in 2019 with a 38.

Kruzich is a guy who sees the glass as half full.

'Youth is great,” he said. 'There are no seniors on the roster, which really bodes well for the building of the program.”

While the future looks bright, there is shade that it casts.

'With youth will come some growing pains,” Kruzich said. ' Web have seven sophomores who really could have used their freshman season that was canceled due to COVID-19 to gain valuable competition experience.”

Those sophomores are Viola Welsh, Myah Twohill, Sara Kretz, Kate Pettit, Macy Rayburn, Maggie Rayburn and Ellie Stever. Juniors are Kylie Martin and Grace Sobaski.

Last year, Lindy Kaska, Ella Phillips and Megan Higgins would have had their senior years.

Kruzich is steadfast in his evaluation of the SEC race. 'I know Washington will be the favorite. They have a great program and are led by three outstanding seniors.”

But with no look at other teams development, Kruzich is unsure if there are any challengers for Washington. Other teams have shown that they have girls interested in the game. They have been fortunate to gain experience and skill over the last couple of years.

'Without a season last year, it is really hard to determine who can emerge as top contenders,” Kruzich said.