Although facing many challenges, including as a shorthanded team for almost half the season, the golf team was able to find some success this fall. 

Even without a full team, five players–-junior Co-Captain Gavi Lappen, Freshman Liav Perez, junior Lucias Vendetti, junior Cameron Fuerman and junior Arel Magence–competed in sectionals at Pine Hills golf course on Sept. 25. 

Coach Drew Pierson is proud of the team’s resilience. 

“The season went well despite some obstacles,” he wrote in an email. “Unfortunately, we were short-handed for several matches, including during the postseason, conference championship and a few regular events.” 

“We played 40% of our events without our full starting roster; however, the team was resilient and stepped up when needed,” he added.

Pierson expresses his love for the team, and describes the dynamic as “great.”

“They support one another, root for each other, and treat each other with respect,” he wrote. “I have received many positive comments from parents of players on other teams about how kind and respectful our team was.” 

Vendetti stood out to Pierson this season because of his dedication and improvement in the off season. 

“He set a great example for everyone with his hard work,” he wrote. 

Lappen points to Jordan Uria as well for his growth, and is excited to see what he can do next year. 

“Jordan Uria definitely improved a lot this season,” Lappen said. “I think he’s really ready to go next season; he didn’t qualify to go to sectionals with us, which he was not happy about,  but is a driving goal for him next season.” 

Junior Co-Captain Ethan Malek saw improvement this year in terms of attitude and motivation. 

“I feel that the season was better than last year” he said. “Our record was probably about the same, but mentally, the team was more into the season, and also the team had a drive to succeed.”

Malek explains that the close-knit culture keeps golfers motivated. 

The team spends time together outside of golf, goes out to dinner and encourages one another on the course.

Malek identified another golfer who showed great confidence for a freshman. 

“Leiv Perez did a great job this season,” he said. “He came into the season not knowing for sure if you would be on varsity, but after competing with others he got a chance on varsity and he didn’t let that go and put up great numbers in every event.”

Malek feels that the team is going to improve next year if they put in the effort and utilize the resources available. 

“Next season we are all going to be way better with great off-season training at the clubhouse in Commerce Park,” he said. “We are all working hard to get better. Hopefully we can make it out of sectionals and go far in the playoffs.”

Malek’s favorite golf memory was a match earlier this year against Cuyahoga Heights  that turned out successful for many on the team. 

“We had a match early in the season, and the whole team played very well, and we posted the lowest score all year,” he said. “Seeing all the players finish their round and hearing how well they did was a very fun moment to share with the team.” 

Malek had great momentum early on, but his season was cut short. 

“I had a very good start to the season having a decent amount of CVC points,” he said. “But unfortunately, I came down with a sickness and was sidelined… with half the season left.” 

Lappen is proud of his performance this season. He had a part in the overall success of the team and worked hard towards his personal goals. 

“I definitely thought I helped people when they needed help and stepped into a leadership role,” he said. “On a personal level I definitely put in more work and more practice, which paid off. I feel I played better this season than last season.”

Now he is focused on next season. 

“We definitely have a lot to work on coming next season since [many of us will] be seniors, but overall lots of progress,” Lappen said. 

Lappen explains that the tight dynamic on the team is a result of most of the boys being on multiple teams together. 

“I think we’re all pretty close since we also play baseball together,” he said. “We all kinda joke around with each other. It’s a good time.” 

Lappen points to Jordan Uria as a golfer who showed a lot of growth this season. 

“I think he’s really ready to go next season,” Lappen said. “He didn’t qualify to go to sectionals with us which he was not happy about,  but is a driving goal for him next season.” 

Overall Lappen is pretty happy with his personal performance but feels he also could have bought in a little bit more. 

“I feel I could have been more focused on my goals but feel I played pretty well this season” he said. 

Pierson explained the changes he implemented this year, his second year coaching Bison golf. 

“This season, being my second, was very different in a good way,” he wrote. “After having a full season to assess and learn along the way, we developed a much more regimented and structured practice plan, which included drills, games and on-course activities.”

“I also adjusted the schedule to play better courses, teams and new events,” he added.

Pierson is happy with the program’s improvement this season. 

“We had a well structured environment,” he said, “I hope to continue supporting the program and ensure we have access to the equipment and facilities we need.”

Lappen would like for his teammates to take golf more seriously.

“I want people to buy in more,” he said. “I feel like we goof around too much because golf is not the most serious sport at Beachwood, but I think if we bought in we could be pretty good, especially because the next season is our last.”