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Prep Notebook
By ROD GIPSON Wharton golfers face top teams, get baptism by fireThe team thinks its deceptive 1-8-1 record -- against quality teams -- helps it prepare for the playoffs this season. NEW TAMPA -- Don't pay too much attention to Wharton's 1-8-1 record. That many losses may seem uncharacteristic for a boys golf team that placed eighth in the state last season, but there is a method behind that won-loss madness. To expose his golfers to top-level competition this season, Wharton coach John Benson has played the likes of Orlando power Lake Highland Prep, Jesuit, Berkeley Prep and Saddlebrook. The result has been experience on top courses against some of the best teams in the state. "It's been a little bit of a rude awakening," said Benson. "But we wanted to play more difficult courses and face top-tier players." Which is exactly what the Wildcats did Oct. 8 at Saddlebrook. Playing without No. 2 golfer David Tiffenberg, and with two sophomores in the lineup, Wharton was bested by 16 strokes, 151-167. The Wildcats were facing an outstanding squad coming off a fourth-place finish in the state last year. Mike Giammaresi, Wharton's No. 1 player, was solid, shooting a 2-over-par 37. If not for a double bogey on the match's final hole, Giammaresi could have made par or better. Still, he was satisfied with his performance. "My last tournament, I hit the ball well," he said. "And I think I'm playing pretty well. I have been working with a swing change and I feel like I'm hitting the ball better." Against Saddlebrook, Giammaresi was the lone Wharton player to break 40. Barrett White and Les Baron each shot 43 and Patrick Gibson shot 44. Not the greatest of scores, but with three weeks left in the regular season, Benson said he expects those scores to improve before districts and regionals. Wharton tees off with Sickles and Blake Wednesday at Hunter's Green and against Berkeley Prep on Oct. 23 at the Eagles. District play begins Oct. 23. "I think the team is doing well," said Giammaresi. "We're playing tough competition and I think that will definitely help us later." SWIMMING: Girls swimming action from last week included Chamberlain defeating Blake 102-33, Sickles defeating Freedom and Middleton 154-85-38, Leto losing to Tampa Bay Tech 125-40 and Wharton outscoring Chamberlain 127-53. Boys action saw Sickles defeat Middleton and Freedom 144-56-55, Tampa Bay Tech defeat Leto 95-37 and Chamberlain defeat Blake 79-54. TRACK & FIELD: Wharton assistant track coach Jason Tyrrell has been instrumental in bringing one of the largest prep meets to the area. Tyrrell will serve as meet director for the Steak n Shake Invitational, to be held at USF March 1. The meet is expected to draw about 40 teams and close to 1,000 athletes. The teams will come from throughout Florida.
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