Girls golfer of the year | Madison Glennie, Sr., Countryside
Why we picked her: Glennie was consistent all season, but she saved her best for the Class 3A state tournament. She finished tied for second after shooting 72-74—146 at Mission Inn Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills. There was a three-way playoff for the championship, where Glennie was eliminated after the first playoff hole.
Proudest accomplishment: Returning to golf. On Sept. 24, 2012, Glennie tore ligaments in her left knee. She was standing in her theater class when a classmate was accidentally pushed into her. She didn’t return to a golf course until January. By March she was swinging freely again. Her game clearly returned to form during the high school season. “After not being able to play last season, it was great to not only return but play in the state tournament,” Glennie said. “Of course, I wanted to win it, but I’m happy with how I played. When you get into a playoff, anything can happen.”
Future plans: Glennie accepted a scholarship to play golf at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She plans on majoring in English and musical theater.
Did you know? Glennie is a talented singer and actor. She was recently in a one-act comic opera by Mozart, Bastien und Bastienne, at St. Petersburg College. The play received a superior mark by judges. She has also spent time during the summer at a camp on Broadway. “I like that as much as I like golf,” Glennie said.
First team
Haydyn Gibson, So., Osceola: Blew away the field at the 2A-16 district tournament with 1-under, 71 at Bardmoor CC, then shot 76 in regionals. Finished second at the Mustang Invitational (1-under 70); averaged 37 strokes at nine-hole tournaments.
Ryanne Jackson, So., Northside Christian: Had a 39.9-stroke average for nine holes. Shot a nine-hole best 37 at Bardmoor and had two 81s in 18-hole events, including at the Class A region tournament. Lost in a playoff to just miss out on state tournament.
Alyssa Lamoureux, 8th, Northside Christian: Had a 37.4 nine-hole average. Tied for first at the Bay Conference tournament after shooting 74. Missed postseason tournaments due to appendicitis.
Mariana Ocano, So., St. Petersburg: Green Devils’ best golfer, she shot 78 at the district tournament and lost to Glennie in a playoff at the regionals after shooting 79 at Countryside CC.
Emma Paschal, Jr., Clearwater Central Catholic: Had a nine-hole average of 37.6 and 18-hole average of 75.8. Paschal was a Class A state qualifier and shot 77-80—157 to tie for 28th.
Second team
Sadie Chlapowski, Fr., Boca Ciega
Kayla Shelton, Fr., St. Petersburg
Emily Swidock, Sr., St. Petersburg Catholic
Ashley Kimbrough, Sr., Indian Rocks Christian
Ryan Pierce, Sr., Palm Harbor University
Honorable mention
Countryside: Sarah Oliver; East Lake: Amanda Fosbrook, Kaitlyn Puzzitiello; Indian Rocks Christian: Bianca Sol Cruz; Osceola: Sophie Smoot, Lauren Morris; Palm Harbor University: Perrianne D’Amico, Joanne Baker, Charley Majeski
Coach of the year
James Hill, Osceola: There weren’t many county schools that fielded full girls teams, but the Warriors had five solid players. They were the only full team in the 2A-16 district tournament and fell just short of advancing to state.
Boys golfer of the year | Blake Dyer, Jr., St. Petersburg
Why we picked him: Dyer was consistent in both nine-hole and 18-hole matches during the season. While he rarely shot above par, he was capable of low scores. At the final PCAC nine-hole match of the season at Feather Sound, he shot 4-under, 32. Then at the Class 3A-12 district tournament he shot a 5-under 66 at Seminole Lake CC to win by seven shots. Throw in a 2 under at the Vinoy Classic, and Dyer saved some of his best rounds for the big tournaments.
Proudest accomplishment: Dyer said it was shooting low scores when he had to.
“I think the 66 at districts and the 32 in the conference match were the highlights,” Dyer said. “The 32 helped me get the low overall average for the season. And to be able to play well at districts was very satisfying.”
Future plans: Dyer plans to continue playing in junior golf events through the spring and summer. Ultimately he would like to play in college. His first choice right now is the University of Mississippi.
Did you know? Dyer had stiff competition on the golf course growing up. His father, Kevin, played golf at the University of Florida. From a young age, Dyer said he has played with his father and eventually got to his level. “We have some good competitions on the golf course,’’ Dyer said. “He’s been my coach for a long time.” Dyer said that unlike his dad, he doesn’t think he’ll attend Florida. “I’ve been to camps up there and it’s just not my thing,” he said. “I really like it at Mississippi. Hopefully I can end up there.”
First team
Tyler Dierwechter, Sr., East Lake: Consistent throughout the season. Led the Eagles with 75 at the 3A-12 tournament and shot 72 at the CCC Invitational at Belleair CC.
Sean Fromme, Sr., Palm Harbor University: Played well all season, especially when it counted. He shot 75 at the 3A-12 district tournament, then 72 at the region tournament to qualify for state.
Ryan Hicks, Fr., Countryside: Hicks emerged as the Cougars’ top golfer. He won five nine-hole tournaments during the regular season and averaged 78.4 in 18-hole events.
Greyson Porter, So., Shorecrest: Highest-finishing Pinellas golfer at the Class A state tournament. He shot rounds of 74-72 to finish tied for 15th out of 96 golfers. A serious player of the year candidate.
Anthony Quintessenza, Sr., Northside Christian: Had a 36.7 nine-hole average. Finished third at the Crutchfield/Hawkins tournament in Sebring and shot in the 70s at all seven 18-hole tournaments.
Second team
Jay Dixon, Sr., Countryside
Martin Fennemore, Jr., Clearwater Central Catholic
Andrew Heric, Jr., Clearwater Central Catholic
Karim Oliver, Jr., Shorecrest
Kyle Shealy, Jr., Canterbury
Honorable mention
Boca Ciega: Cameron Fields; Calvary Christian: Josh Hancock; Clearwater: Ryan Sweet, Keith Kochenour, Clayton Harvey; Clearwater Central Catholic: Clayton Spilman; Countryside: Donald Wasoff; Dixie Hollins: Juan Valencia; Dunedin: Adam Norris, Michael Schermerhorn; East Lake: Jack Dickson, Sean Cooperrider, Nicholas Pero; Indian Rocks Christian: Justin Wren, Connor Campbell; Lakewood: Calob Cook; Northeast: Carson Wolf; Northside Christian: Troy Hicks; Osceola: Cameron Fady, Michael Lambert; Palm Harbor University: Brock Stallings, Chase Baum; Pinellas Park: Eric Costa, Zach Zimbaro; St. Petersburg: Daniel Weiss, Cameron Wolfe, Clay Cottrill; St. Petersburg Catholic: Matt Rothrock, Parker Rhoads; Seminole: Jasen Norris, Dan Robinson; Tarpon Springs: Ryan Wahl
Coach of the year
Steve Blumer, Countryside: Blumer coached one of the most talented teams in the county. The Cougars finished second in the 3A-12 district, then missed out on advancing to state by one shot.