Boys golfers finish in states for the first time
By Kyle LoJacono
Wesley Chapel High opened its doors in 1999 and in that time only one boys’ golf team has ever reached the state tournament — the 2010 squad.
The Wildcats got to the Class 1A state tournament after claiming the first regional championship in program history. They shot a two-day 651, coming in 15th place in states.
“The kids didn’t do as well as they wanted on the first day,” said Wesley Chapel coach Alan Black. “It was a soggy course and really long, but no excuses. They dealt with the pressure of going to state and still did ok.”
Black has been the only coach in program history, but this is his last season running the show. He spent two years at Pasco High coaching, 10 at Land O’ Lakes High and then moved to Wesley Chapel.
This is Black’s first time taking a team to states in his 23 years coaching. Two of his former Wesley Chapel players reached the tournament individually, including Cameron Knight who won the 2004 2A state title.
“To me it was meant to be because we have four seniors on the team,” Black said. “We’re all going out at the same time. It’ll let another coach come in and start fresh next year. Really this last year was more than I could ask for.”
Wildcats athletic director Steve Mumaw said it will be very difficult to find someone to replace Black.
“What I’m really proud of with this team is I had ones with more talented golfers, but this team was full of great athletes,” Black said. “Some of them play baseball too and they have the competitive nature that makes them better.”
No. 2 golfer Brandon Mumaw, a senior, is a starting pitcher on the baseball team and No. 3 golfer Matt Wynne, also a senior, pitched primarily out of the bullpen last season. Black said while baseball takes some of their athletic attention, it also allows them to take a break from golf and recharge.
“The kids were disappointed with where they finished because they were 15 out of 16 teams in states, but I told them they can’t think of it like that,” Black said. “They were the 15th best Class 1A team in the state and that’s pretty impressive. We were the top team from Pasco County and we beat our big rival Saddlebrook Prep and that was nice too.”
No. 1 golfer and senior Jacob Fleck shot an 8-over 152 during the two days to come in 40th place. He also won the individual regional championship as well as the Sunshine Athletic Conference title this season.
Brandon shot a 156, Wynne shot a 171, freshman Noah Fleck shot a 172 and senior Johnathan Amerman shot a 184. Only the top four scores count toward the team’s total.
“We shot right around our average and you can’t ask for much more than that,” Black said. “The kids wanted to go out there and shoot way under their average, but that doesn’t normally happen. They overachieved a little in regional and they should be very proud of what they did. I know I was honored to be able to coach in states.”
Black’s time coaching the game is complete and the longtime Wildcats leader leaves with no regrets.
“Coaching this team was an absolute joy,” Black said. “It was great to get them all to states in my last season and with so many seasons. It was a dream.”
