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 theyll need to make like Stella and find their groove. And theyll 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. Hes capable of playing at the next level if he keeps working hard like hes doing. Hes not a long ball hitter. He just keeps it in play. Hes 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 years team.
Hes a solid player, said Atwood about Vannoy. Hes capable of being pretty good when he puts together a complete game. Hell hit three or four good shots, then maybe a bad one. He shot 49 the other day against Elizabethton. Hes capable of playing in the low 40s consistently.
Atwood is high on freshman golfer Reise Stout.
Reise comes in with some good skills and hes played a lot, added Atwood. He shot 50 the other day and I think he can play in the lower 40s too. Im sure he had some jitters being his first high school match. Im 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. Im very pleased because they work hard and theyll keep getting better because of it.
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