Oakton Golf Sets Sights on Regional Berth

Last season, the Oakton High golf team — a loss they do not plan to repeat in 2012.

Coach Chris Craddock, returning for his second season with the Cougars, has sat down with his team to set not just individual goals but a team goal of qualifying for regionals. 

The Cougars had three golfers qualify last season, two of whom — Ho Jae Lee and John McGuinness — are returning as seniors. Last season, . 

"With Ho Jae and John, I think we should have a really, really solid top two. They're just phenomenal and a force when they're playing well," Craddock said. 

Craddock said he has seen "tremendous growth" in junior Carter Lawhorn, who has been shooting in the 70s, and sophomore Jack Simpson exemplifies the young talent the Cougars are investing in for success beyond this season. 

"I've seen such an improvement in the younger players who are returning, and I think if we just continue to grow we'll have a great season," he said.

As a member of the 2006 Northern Region Champion and state-qualifying Oakton Cougars, new assistant coach Curtis Strasburg — a 2007 Oakton graduate — will add a fresh perspective to the team. Strasburg joins former Lynchburg College golfer Dan Hamblen and PGA-certified assistant professional Darlene Roach on the coaching staff.

Craddock, , hopes Strasburg's presence will not only contribute his golf know-how but also add to the feeling of camaraderie in what is largely an individual sport.

"I think it's a great thing to see as a precedent, that you're a part of this team and stay a part of this team even after you leave. And if you're able to, you can give back to the team when you're older," Craddock said. "It's really easy for golf to just be about your individual game. Especially in high school sports, it's important to build a community in a sport you're investing all this time in.

The Cougars opened their season Monday in the Oakton Classic at the International Country Club, putting forth a strong performance without Lee, their No. 1 golfer. On Tuesday, Lee placed first in the Charger Challenge with a score of 70. The Cougars placed seventh among 28 teams, two strokes behind Chantilly, the only Concorde District team to place above them.

"I think we've got a bright future and a great group of people. We have a lot of people who are great kids and get along well," Craddock said. "We'll have a lot of fun this season and we're absolutely confident these kids are growing."

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