Eagles Soar in 2008; T'wolf Ends Drought

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Golf

Co-Most Valuable Player

Derek Ernst

Clovis East, senior

The All-City Most Valuable Player the past two seasons, the UNLV-bound Ernst finished his prep career with another top-notch performance and a fourth All-City selection. After back-to-back runner-up efforts at the Central Section individual championships, the Clovis East senior fired a 7-under 65 on the Riverbend Golf Club course to win the Valley's top prize. The four-time Southern California Regional qualifier led the field at the two-round Tri-River Athletic Conference championships with a 2-under 142.

Co-Most Valuable Player

Trevor Guthrie

Clovis West, senior

A constant on the leaderboard during a stellar senior campaign, the Golden Eagles' team co-captain and Most Valuable Player helped Clovis West to a program-best third-place finish at state. Guthrie, recognized as the TRAC Player of Year for his 72.5 league-scoring average, was low medalist in three of six conference tournaments. The Cal Poly-bound golfer was second at the TRAC finals, low medalist at the North Area qualifier and shot a 2-under 70 at the Valley team finals -- all Eagle wins. He added a 70 at the SoCal regional.

Rookie of the Year

Matt Swindle

Clovis West, sophomore

When Clovis West was searching for a No. 6 golfer to add depth to an already formidable lineup, it was Swindle who stepped up. The sophomore made his presence felt on the second day of the TRAC tournament with a 1-under 71, and later was the deciding factor in breaking a tie that propelled Clovis West into the second spot at the Southern California Regional.

Coach of the Year

Tom Deel

Clovis West

It's all about the team. It's an individual sport, sure, but you compete as a team. This is the mindset Tom Deel infused into his Eagles. That mindset, and a talented, veteran team, carried Clovis West to new heights as the Golden Eagles placed third at state after a second-place outing at the SoCal regionals and titles at the TRAC, North Area and Central Section finals.

The Rest of the Team

Pace Johnson

Clovis West, junior

An All-TRAC selection, Johnson's 74.83 conference scoring average was third in the league. Undefeated in match play, Johnson's season low (4-under 68) came at the Central Section finals. He tied for 13th at the Southern California regional (71) and 23rd at state (78).

Jace Merlo

Buchanan, senior

Merlo is back for his second stint on the All-City roster (2006). The senior posted a league-scoring average of 78. The Buchanan co-MVP in 2008, he registered a 73, Merlo's season low, to lead Buchanan to a second-place finish at Valley and berth into the regionals.

Mike Walter

Clovis West, senior

The 2006 All-City Rookie of the Year returns to the All-City team. The All-TRAC honoree saved his best for the Eagles' final run. Walter carded 73s at the Central Section individual and team events before a season-best 72 at the regionals. Walter had a team-best 76 at state.

Michael Weaver

Clovis West, junior

With a league-scoring average second (73.67) only to Trevor Guthrie, Weaver was one of five Eagles named all-league. He was low medalist after a season-low 70 during a TRAC event at Riverside Golf Course and led the Eagles with a 72 at Valley individuals.

Ryan Williams

Clovis West, senior

The Sacramento State-bound senior, an all-TRAC pick and Eagle co-captain, averaged 75.5 in league play. Four times this season he shot a 74, most recently at North Area, an event he won as a sophomore. He is a two-time All-City pick.