CARROLLTON:  The Varsity Boys Golf team was on the links yesterday at Indian Creek Golf Club for the annual Lewisville Fighting Farmer Classic.  Coming off of a strong 3rd Place performance at the Jesuit Dallas Invitational last week, the Cardinals did not disappoint.  The John Paul II Boys were led by senior team captain Chase Cutler with a 1 over 73 in the frigid conditions.  Cutler's score earned low medalist honors on the day, and was followed by junior standout Myles Archibald, who posted a 76, good for runner up medalist honors.  Sophomore Deuce Monroe carded a 77 to take a tie for 4th place, junior Kai Leider posted an 80, and  freshman standout Raghav Subbiah posted an 83.  The total team score of 306 was good enough for an 18 shot victory over cross-town rival Bishop Lynch.

Head coach Bruce Smith liked what he saw out of the squad, who battled in spite of some wicked conditions.  "Wow, what a cold, miserable day to play golf!  It sleeted on us 3-4 times during the round for about 5-10 minutes.  I was so proud of our boys and how they performed in the conditions.  It was tough out there and it was great to see Chase Cutler bounce back after a poor showing last week at the Jesuit Invitational.  Indian Creek is our home course and the site of the TAPPS 6A Regional, so I expect us to have the advantage.  Chase and Deuce have a great deal of experience in this course and it showed today."

Coach Smith was effusive in his praise, and seemed particularly excited to have Archibald back on the course following the junior's role with the Varsity Boys Basketball team during TAPPS playoffs.  "It was fantastic to get Myles back in the lineup after he completed his "back-to-back" state tournament runs with the basketball team.  He is an extraordinary athlete to be able to do what he does.  As I told the boys today after the round, Chase may be our 'team captain', but Myles is the 'glue' that holds us together.  He is a very mature young man and it showed on the course today.  

Smith continued to highlight the strengths of the team, noting that when one player has a bad round, others are there to pick him up.  "Deuce was very steady on the course today as well, posting a 77, which is right on his stroke average.  Kai is an awesome golfer, and even though he has not been playing his best, I look for him to breakout soon.  Raghav carried us in the last event, but had a tough day today.  I tried to console him and let him know that no one is immune to a bad round of golf.  We are a TEAM and will continue to move forward as a team until we accomplish what we set out to do.  We are in the season now.  It's right around the corner and TCA is expecting us, so I hope the boys are up to the task.  It's really fun watching this group play.  I love coaching them and watching them compete."

The JPII Boys Golf Team is back on the links on March 23rd at the Trinity Invitational at Texas Star, and the Lady Cardinals, who did not play due to many players out sick, will also return to the course on March 23rd at the Trinity Invitational at Texas Star Golf Course in Euless.