Eagles seek shot at title

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EATON — Eaton High School golf coach Randy Titkemeyer, along with assistant coach Tim Appledorn, look to to make a run for the 2016 SWBL golf championship with a mix of veterans and newcomers. Having come so close last year, the Eagles hope to equal their performances on the greens this year.

“Last year, we were a pretty strong team,” said Titkemeyer. “We barely missed a trip to the districts as a team, by one stroke. We had a lot of seniors from that team. Among them was Cameron Willis, who of course was the most decorated golfer in the history of Eaton golf. We lost some other talented seniors, so we are much younger this year.”

Veterans Sarah Willis, Trevor Pittman and Shawn Hodges are back for the Eagles. The team is down in numbers this year, but high in spirits.

“Sarah Willis is a good player and only a junior,” said Titkemeyer. “Pittman and Hodges are the seniors on the team. Trevor is into his fourth year on the varsity and does a nice job. Shawn will have to help in leading the team this year.”

“We have one junior and a group of sophomores we are trying to develop into good golfers,” he added. “Sophomores Andrew Collins, Adam Webb, Kevin Lamb, junior Casey Wilkins, Seth Bartlow and some other kids will be vying for a varsity spot. Most of them came in with very little experience — it takes time and effort to become a good golfer.”

“Oakwood is the team that will be the toughest challenge,” Titkemeyer said. “They have been champions for a long time. They always have the depth to field the best kids — it’s what they do and we want, at the very least, to give them a run for the championship, if not beat them for the trophy.”

Appledorn was a four-year letter-winner in golf. A 1996 graduate of EHS, he was a two-time all-SWBL player who begins his sixth year helping with the program.

“We have a mix of rookies and veterans,” Appledorn said. “It’s going to be a fun job building the team up together. We’ve done it before, so this is nothing new.”

The season starts off on a fast pace for the Eagles. The Preble County Tournament kicked off the regular season on Monday, Aug. 8. Wednesday-Friday, Aug 10-12, are road trips to Miamisburg, Brookville, and Northridge respectively.

2016 Eaton Eagles golf team moments before participating in the preseason Ryder Cup SWBL tournament.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/08/web1_Eaton-golf-team.jpg2016 Eaton Eagles golf team moments before participating in the preseason Ryder Cup SWBL tournament.

Coach Randy Titkemeyer gives instructions at the Beechwood Golf Club.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/08/web1_Titkemeyer-with-Jim.jpgCoach Randy Titkemeyer gives instructions at the Beechwood Golf Club.
Team a mix of veterans, rookies

By Oliver Sanders

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Reach Oliver Sanders at 937-683-4062 or on Twitter @osanders_RH.

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