SACO — After the loss of 11 seniors, the Thornton Academy golf team had low expectations for the 2018 season, but it turned out the Golden Trojans weren’t rebuilding — they were just reloading.
The Trojans certainly exceeded those low expectations by qualifying for the state team tournament, which will be held today at Natanis Golf Course.
“I’m very happy with how our season went. We had lost 11 seniors off of last year’s team. I wasn’t sure how we would play overall because we had so many new players,” said Thornton head coach Jeff Camire. “Armand (Ouellette) was really the only one with true varsity experience. Throughout the year, we were inconsistent. We haven’t been as consistent as we have been the last four years but nearing the end of the season, I started to see a few players that I knew had a shot to play well once we got to Natanis.”
The Trojans entered the state qualifier in an unusual position for the TA program as they weren’t one of the favorites to punch a ticket to team states.
“At the qualifier, I was nervous going in because usually qualifying is not an issue,” Camire admitted. “We’re usually trying to get ourselves in a good position to play well for the state tournament. This year, I really didn’t know and the kids really stepped up.”
Ouellette, who is a captain for the Trojans, was not surprised that the team qualified for states.
“A lot of people don’t think we’re going to be that good so we can come in under the radar. I expect us to play pretty well there. I think we actually underachieved at the qualifier. We’re definitely going to be a threat,” said Ouellette.
Manuel Barbarchano, who earned the low medalist honor at the qualifier with a round of 32, echoed that sentiment.
“We have a good team. If we play good, we can win states but there’s a lot of hard teams there,” said Barbarchano.
Camire knows his team will face a tough test at Natanis, which is located just north of Augusta.
“Scarborough is an excellent team. They’re very deep with a lot of tournament experience. I would expect that they’re going to play pretty well and I know that Mount Ararat is another really good team,” said Camire.
Ouellette has some experience at Natanis’ Tomahawk course, which will be where the boys event is held.
“It’s pretty tricky, I’ve played it a lot of times. I played it seven times, but for newer players it can be tough because it’s a lot of doglegs and blind shots that you can’t see,” said Ouellette.
Nick Burton, a senior on the Thornton goal team, agreed with Ouellette.
“Nothing is really straight in front of you. You always have to play a safe shot. Most courses are laid out in front of you. This one, you have to use common sense,” Burton said.
At the end of the day, Camire is excited that his young team qualified.
“We’re just going to try and do our best. We want to have a good day and compete and that’s what I’m hoping for,” said Camire.
This will not be the last time that Thornton will be on the links. Ouellette, Burton, Barbarchano and Hongyi (YoYo) Wu all qualified for the state individual tournament set for October 13 back at Natanis Golf Course.
— Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at 780-9018. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.