New look on the links for Johnson County High School

By: Tim Chambers
Tomahawk Sports Editor
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Johnson County has enjoyed much success on the links in recent years but to do so in 2015 they’ll need to make like “Stella” and find their groove. And they’ll search for it with several different faces including a new head coach.
Austin Atwood takes over the program for the legendary Steve Arnold who retired after last season. Arnold was well respected among the coaching fraternity and he turned out several quality teams and golfers while at the helm.
Atwood is faced with the tough task of rebuilding. He will rely on a trio of players to try and keep the ship sailing smoothly.
“Isaiah Penley is our best player,” said Atwood. “He’s capable of playing at the next level if he keeps working hard like he’s doing. He’s not a long ball hitter. He just keeps it in play. He’s as good as they are when his putting is on.”
The junior standout shot a 39 against Elizabethton on Thursday to finish second at Red Tail.
“I always enjoy playing at Redtail,” said Penley. “It was a good place to play our first match of the season. Hopefully after a few more matches, the younger players will begin to be more comfortable.”
Senior Brandon Vannoy is another player that Atwood is counting on. He played a key role on last year’s team.
“He’s a solid player,” said Atwood about Vannoy. “He’s capable of being pretty good when he puts together a complete game. He’ll hit three or four good shots, then maybe a bad one. He shot 49 the other day against Elizabethton. He’s capable of playing in the low 40’s consistently.”
Atwood is high on freshman golfer Reise Stout.
“Reise comes in with some good skills and he’s played a lot,” added Atwood. “He shot 50 the other day and I think he can play in the lower 40’s too. I’m sure he had some jitters being his first high school match. I’m looking for some good things from him.”
Sawyer Main and Dylan Nichols will also be counted on to contribute. Noah Conder will round out the top six. Daniel Newton could see some time in the top six as well.
Marley Eggers (junior), and Abby Arnett (sophomore) are the only two girls on the squad.
“Both of them are pretty good players who are capable of shooting good scores,” said Atwood. “I’m very pleased because they work hard and they’ll keep getting better because of it.”

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