By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports

The Bloomfield Wildcats have jumped around a lot in regards to their golf team. The team had traditionally been Class 1, switched to Class 2 a couple years ago, and decided to move back to Class 1 this season. Despite all the competition changes, the Wildcats have managed to put together a solid team in the last several years under coach Travis Westbrook.


Westbrook, now going into his sixth year as Bloomfield’s golf coach, is enthusiastic about his group’s potential this year.


“We had six kids come out this year, four of which are returning players,” Westbrook said. “We’ll compete well against other Class 1 schools, and hopefully send a few individuals to state, if not the team as a whole.”


Westbrook noted the leadership that he had returning as keys to his squad’s success this year.

“Seth Hill is the only state-qualifier from last year coming back,” Westbrook continued. “He went to state his freshman year, as well. He’s finished somewhere in the middle of the pack - probably the 60’s - both times.”

“Austin Cooper, a junior, is another good leader,” Westbrook commented. “He’s missed the cut at districts by less than ten shots in his first two years, and he’s been working hard to lower his scores all summer and in practice.”

Talent has also been noticed by Westbrook in one of his younger players.


“Ryan West, a freshman, has been stepping up big,” Westbrook continued. “He played in Gateway Junior PGA tournaments all summer, and fared pretty well, but he was forced to drop out when he broke his arm. He hits the ball well, and plays within his capability.”


Westbrook noted his team’s power as their strong suit this year, but really hasn’t had much of a chance to evaluate their short game.


“Our length off the tee is going to be great this year,” Westbrook said. “Its just been tough - they only uncovered the greens two weeks ago - so we haven’t had much of a chance to chip and putt.”

Photos above The 2011 Bloomfield Wildcat golf team consists of (from left to right); Ryan West, Zac Goode, Austin Battles, Gene Masters, Austin Cooper, and Seth Hill.