Outback Invitational
When/where: Monday, East Lake Woodlands Golf Club
Time: 10:30 a.m. shotgun start
Format: 18-hole stroke play, top four scores from each school are counted toward team score.
Schools: Mitchell (black team), Mitchell (gold team), Sarasota Riverview, St. Petersburg, Sebring, Lakewood Ranch, Clearwater Central Catholic, Jesuit, Windermere Prep, Calvary Christian, Lakeland George Jenkins, Tampa Catholic, Berkeley Prep, Palm Harbor University, Spruce Creek, West Orange, Archbishop McCarthy, Osceola, Orlando Dr. Phillips, East Lake
Local players to watch: Andrew Heric (CCC), Blake Dyer (St. Petersburg), Matthew Ruel (Jesuit), Tyler Dierwechter (East Lake), Mike Spinger (Mitchell), Chase Baum (Palm Harbor University), Cameron Fady (Osceola), Nilo Sanchez (Tampa Catholic).
Tournament tested: Both Mitchell and Clearwater Central Catholic played in the Titan Invitational at Hammock Beach on Sept. 12-13. The Mustangs finished seventh in the 12-team tournament, comprised of some of the best schools in the state. CCC was 12th.
Mitchell’s Spinger finished second overall (72-71—143). Donnie Gabrelcik (159), Cody Miano (160) and Anthony Salvati (161). Monday, the Mustangs play in yet another competitive 18-hole tournament, which is part of the plan.
“The first couple years I was the coach we played in mostly nine-hole events, and we found that we weren’t mentally and physically tough enough when districts came around,” Mitchell coach Rick Hyatt said. “So we found playing in the 18-hole events against good competition made a world of difference.’’
CCC takes the same approach. Two weeks ago, the Marauders won the East Lake Invitational at Lansbrook Golf Club. Heric won the individual medal with 74. Martin Fennemore wasn’t far off with 76. They also host the CCC Invitational on Oct. 4.
New start time: Last year’s tournament was shortened to 11 holes due to weather, with Lakewood Ranch winning. In an attempt to avoid weather issues, Hyatt arranged with East Lake Woodlands to start at 10:30 a.m.
“Hopefully we’ll be in the clubhouse by the time the rains come,” Hyatt said. “And it gets the out-of-area schools home at a decent hour.”