Advertisement

District golf: East Lake boys poised for postseason run

 
Tyler Dierwechter stands on the Swilcan Bridge at the St. Andrews Old Course in Scotland last year.
Tyler Dierwechter stands on the Swilcan Bridge at the St. Andrews Old Course in Scotland last year.
Published Oct. 10, 2014

Tyler Dierwechter felt bad. After shooting 75 in last year's district tournament to help the East Lake High boys golf team advance to regionals, he was unable to play in the next round due to a family cruise.

"It's something we do every year and last year (regionals) were moved up for some reason,'' Dierwechter said. "I hated that I couldn't be there.''

Without its top player, East Lake didn't advance to the state tournament. This year, Dierwechter isn't going anywhere. The senior plans to help the Eagles make state, and if their play lately is any indication, that's where they should end up.

East Lake finished tied for fourth last weekend in the CCC Invitational at Belleair Country Club. Dierwechter shot 2-under 70 and was tied for first, losing in a playoff for medalist honors. That's a good sign as the Eagles head into the postseason.

"For me, it's a confidence thing,'' Dierwechter said. "I started out pretty slowly. I wasn't doing much well. But I've been playing well lately and then at Belleair I played better than I have in a long time.''

If Dierwechter continues to shoot low numbers, and if the depth holds out, East Lake could make a big run. The Eagles also finished a respectable seventh in the loaded 18-team field at the Vinoy Classic on Oct. 2. Seniors Sean Murray, Thomas Hackett and Evan Fratus, along with junior Jack Dickson, are all capable of shooting in the mid-70s.

And East Lake isn't the only area team with a chance to do well in the state tournament. Clearwater Central Catholic has a deep roster that includes Andrew Heric, Martin Fennemore, Nathan Joyer, Erich Klopper and Clark Lea.

St. Petersburg has Florida commit Blake Dyer, along with freshman Parker Sanderson. If the Green Devils can get some low scores from their Nos. 3-5 players, they could also move on. Same for Countryside. Sophomore Ryan Hicks can break par, and teammates Mason Rahman and Kyle Murphy can shoot in the 70s on good days.

With its experience and team chemistry, East Lake looks to be in a good spot heading into next week.

"We've all played with each other for a long time," Dierwechter said. "We're always playing mind games with each other in practice. Like, if somebody has a 30-foot putt we'll say something like 'Make sure you don't three-putt this one.' It makes you better playing with guys who are also good players."