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The
golf program at Bellows Free Academy has been going on since 1969,
when Bob Ashton & John Bostwick started coaching the team.
BFA had strong teams in the 70's, but were unable to capture the
league title, finishing second several times. Bob Caggige
became the head coach in 1987. BFA qualified
for the states five years in a row in the late 90's and early
2000's, but were unable to win the state title. In 2002,
however, the Bobwhites captured the first Vermont State Championship
in BFA golf history. In 2006, BFA developed the Comet girl's golf
team. Former Bobwhite golfer Chris Hungerford took over as
head coach in 2007. BFA continues to be a strong contender in the Metro
North each season.
The
BFA golf season begins in the middle of March with the pre-season,
which usually occurs indoors while the team waits for the snow to
melt. In the beginning of April, the teams move outdoors,
playing at Champlain Country Club in Swanton, VT. Each April,
the golf team has its spring putting contest, which was started by
Bob Caggige in the late 80's. In addition, April features
several scrimmages against local teams and varsity team selection.
In
early May, the regular season begins for the Metro North golf
league. The league features about fifteen teams from northern
Vermont. Most of the teams are from Division I schools.
Each week there are two regular season matches, featuring four
schools at each. Halfway through the season, the prestigious
North Country Invitational is held at Newport CC. In 2000, BFA
won the North Country Invitational for the first time in school
history. The regular
season lasts four weeks, featuring eight events, for a total of
roughly 24 match-ups with other schools. BFA has been the
regular season champions twice, in 1972 (11-1), and in 2002
(22-2-2). The two-man
tournament is contested prior to the postseason, allowing each
school to send two players that compete in a best-ball event against
other schools. BFA has claimed three two-man titles, in 1971,
1978, and most recently in 2000.
The
last week of May features sectional qualifying for the Vermont State
tournament. The Division I North Sectionals are held at
Newport CC. The top 3 teams and top 5 individuals gain entry
into the state tournament. The Vermont State Championships are
held in the first week of June at Ralph Myhre GC in Middlebury.
The tournament is contested to crown the team and individual
champion for Vermont high school golf. The event is run by the
Vermont Principal's Association (VPA). The top 10 individuals
at the states gain entry into the New England Championships, held in the
middle of June.
Overall, the
season lasts about three months, depending on postseason results.
Players practice continuously for the entire season, working to
develop proper technique in all aspects of the game. Following
the high school season, players can continue to compete in junior
tournaments throughout Vermont, and participate in local junior
events. For more
information, contact coach
Chris Hungerford. |
