By Cody Pomeranz, ’11, Sports Section Editor

It’s barely dawn before junior Andrew McElhinney heads out onto the lush Irish course with his bag strapped across his back and his mind focused on the game in front of him.  His rigorous summer routine again prepared him well, for McElhinney repeated his success as the premier CCDS golfer yet again.  McElhinney put up another set of exceptional numbers this year on the course.  His season average was an impressive 40.1 and he scored remarkably low in many matches, including a 32 on a par 33 course and a 33 on a par 36 course.  Though only a junior, McElhinney served as the captain of the golf team, encouraging his fellow teammates to make a commitment to improving their game and helping them along the way with his aptitude and knowledge of the sport.  McElhinney led the team to a winning record and a third place finish in the Miami Valley Conference.  The phenomenal golfer earned First Team All-MVC recognition for the second year in a row and advanced to districts individually.

Though the team didn’t advance past sectionals, McElhinney was happy with the performance of his fellow teammates.  However, missing the final spot for districts by one stroke to rival Summit Country Day was a tough pill to swallow for the Indians.  “It’s hard when you get that close and come up short,” said McElhinney.  “But it’s only one stroke, which should show us that we are certainly capable of making districts next season.”  Despite the team losing in sectionals by a single stroke, McElhinney advanced to districts with a top individual score, where he shot a remarkable 82 in torrential downpour to end within six strokes of making state and wrap up a stellar season.

McElhinney was pleased not only with his season, but the team’s as well.  “The team did well.  We lost a couple matches by only one stroke and garnered a winning record,” said McElhinney.  Aiding the junior at the number two spot was sophomore Kyle Pruis, who showed a marked improvement from last season.  The sophomore talent earned First Team All-MVC recognition and was an invaluable asset to the team.  Other valuable contributors to the team’s success included juniors Greg Dick, Devin Sutton, Cody Pomeranz, Alex Meixner, and Tyrique Wilson, as well as freshman Sam Hall. “Overall, I’m very happy,” said McElhinney. “This team certainly has the potential to make it to districts next year, and I’m hoping that I can reach state.”