Preps

Golf preview: A small star with a big heart

By JOE SMITH
Published October 21, 2007

TAMPA

As Berean Academy's Jimmy Stanger approaches each shot in Tuesday's region golf tournament, he'll face a physical disadvantage. ¶ At5-foot-1, the smooth-swinging seventh-grader gives up a foot and 75 pounds to many of his competitors. Stanger, a short-game specialist, will be playing from the longer blue tees for one of the few times in his competitive career. ¶ But as the 12-year-old focuses on his ball, where the initials "H.A." are written in black marker, Stanger will likely remember how big hearts often trump big clubs.

Stanger has dedicated his season to his best friend - and Berean's best golfer - Harris Armstrong, a sixth-grader who was diagnosed two weeks ago with astrocytoma spinal cord tumor. Armstrong, a 11-year-old junior golf star, underwent surgery to remove all but 10 percent of the index finger-sized tumor at All Children's Hospital.

Armstrong, a red-headed Gators fanatic known for his short game and sense of humor, will likely have to undergo six weeks of radiation and, potentially, chemotherapy before he continues his PGA dreams. Jeff Armstrong said his son has regained a lot of strength and spirit, and could come home in a week.

"As we know, God can perform miracles," Berean Academy golf coach Paul Rydell said. "Hopefully that's the case with Harris, and he's back with us soon.

"We know he'll be in (our hearts) Tuesday."

Rydell believes Armstrong was a big reason he has two region qualifiers in the school's first year competing at districts. There was Stanger, who birdied three of the first five holes last week at The Eagles, shooting the same score (81) as Jesuit star junior Jack Twomey. And there was Rydell's daughter, Peyton Rydell, who "shot the round of her life" (117), nearly 20 strokes better than her personal best.

The duo spoke with Armstrong via speakerphone from his hospital bed; he told them, "I'll be back next year."

- - -

Stanger was with Armstrong, practicing their chipping, a few weeks ago when symptoms first sprouted up.

Armstrong felt a pain in his left arm. The family thought it was a nerve issue and took him in for an MRI.

Doctors told them it was a cancerous tumor. Surgery was needed immediately.

As Armstrong was rolled into the operating room at All Children's in St. Petersburg, two nurses tried to comfort him.

"Hey, my name is Mary and I've worked here for years; you're going to be fine."

Then, another nurse, Sue, said "I've worked here for one day, you're going to be fine."

That's when the quick-witted Armstrong quipped: "Boy, I hope you slept at the Holiday Inn last night."

Armstrong is as smooth with his drivers as he is with one-liners, according to his longtime personal coach and family friend, C.D. Gaughan.

Gaughan, who has trained everyone from the county's top players to PGA pros such as Paul Azinger, said Armstrong has pro potential. Armstrong won the national drive, putt and chip championships last year and, according to Gaughan, "has no real kink in the armor. He's an absolute star."

Armstrong is so dedicated that he's still practicing his swing from his hospital bed at Tampa General - in virtual reality, that is. Stanger said his buddy plays golf and tennis games on Nintendo Wii.

Stanger spent a few hours Thursday night with Armstrong watching the USF-Rutgers football game; balloons from well-wishers at Berean and the golf community covered the room.

Armstrong planned to watch the Gators game Saturday afternoon. "He thinks they'll lose if he misses a game," joked Stanger's dad, James.

Stanger said there's one thing he knows for certain: He'll miss his buddy and playing partner on Tuesday.

"I'm hoping for the best," he said. "I'll pray for him."

And play for him.

FAST FACTS

Astrocytic tumors

What are they: These tumors develop from cells called astrocytes that are normally found within the substance of the spinal cord.

Who gets them? These tumors occur at any age, but are more common during the early years of life. In children under 10 years of age, they account for 90 percent of all intramedullary (within the spinal cord) tumors. In adolescents, they account for about 60 percent of all intramedullary tumors.

Treatment? Surgery is the most effective treatment. However, astrocytomas are more difficult to remove totally than most other spinal cord tumors. Tumors that cannot be totally removed or that are suspected to be developing rapidly usually require radiation therapy after surgery.

Source: www.mayoclinic.org;virtualmedicalcentre.com

Region golf skinny

The first- and second-place teams, and first- and second-place individuals move on to the state tournament Oct. 30-31.

Monday

Girls
2A, Region 4 at Heritage Isles, 8 a.m.
Skinny: This could be an intriguing team battle. East Bay topped Wharton and Durant in the district tournament, and will be led by the Rolfe sisters (Julie and Abbie). Durant junior Amy West has been the hottest golfer the past couple of weeks, including her blistering 4-under 68 to unseat two-time district champ Shena Yang (Wharton). Don't be surprised, however, if King sophomore Kelsey Gibson, who was just two shots behind West at districts, advances to state.

Boys
2A, Region 4 at Fox Hollow Country Club, 11 a.m.
Skinny: Riverview is making its first region berth, thanks largely to the sharp shooting of sophomore Ian McConnell (3-under 68). But expect district champion Wharton and senior Kits Patel, who beat Plant and Plant City in the season's finale two weeks ago, to be the top county contender for the championship. King senior Chris Biuso should be in the hunt for individual medalist.

Tuesday

Girls
A, Region 5 at The Eagles,9 a.m.
Skinny: Berkeley Prep twin sisters Kim and Kyleen Carpenter have the Bucs on a roll, cruising to the district title. But the Bucs could be playing for second as Northside Christian - a four-time defending district champ - boasts two standouts who are capable of par rounds.

Boys
A, Region 5 at The Eagles Golf Club, 9 a,m,
Skinny: Jesuit is the defending region champs but must have a better round than last week's district championship-clinching score (314). The Tigers have great depth - led by junior Jack Twomey - but could get their biggest challenge from St. Petersburg Catholic. Berkeley Prep freshman Blake Morris, the district champ, could contend for the top spot.

[Last modified October 21, 2007, 00:37:51]