Saints on a roll

CEDAR RAPIDS - Being a member of a high school golf team is not what you would consider a walk in the park.

With several meets scheduled during the school day throughout the season, athletes must strive to keep up with their homework and studies, giving new meaning to the 'student” in student-athlete.

For Xavier sophomore Sam Martin, the golf course is the perfect destination to relieve stress and enjoy time with friends.

A calm and focused attitude has paid huge dividends for Martin and the Saints' golf team. In one week, Martin, a first-year varsity member, earned two event medalist honors and a nomination for KCRG-TV9's Athlete of the Week.

'The key to my latest accomplishments would be keeping my tee shot in or near the fairway,” Martin said. 'It keeps me out of trouble.”

The other members of the team have rallied around his impressive performances, posting positive results over the last few weeks. On Sept. 11, the Saints avenged previous losses to Kennedy, narrowly defeating the Cougars, 157-159, at a Mississippi Valley Conference triangular golf meet at Ellis Park. Martin received top honors with a 1-over-par 37. Freshman Matt Neumeyer finished with a score of 39 and senior Jordan Even ended up with a 4-over-par 40.

Steady scoring has been a pivotal component to the Saints' progress as a team this season.

Success on the links has just begun for the Saints, however. Their last three meets have been highlighted by a second-place finish at Airport National and a first-place finish at Pheasant Ridge in Cedar Falls. Martin and Even continue to lead the charge, filling the void of lefty junior Luke Winker, who has been slowed by illness. According to the players, none of this would be possible without Coach Tim O'Brien's unwavering dedication and positive attitude.

'Coach O'Brien has helped me throughout these experiences by helping me recover after a bad hole or shot and giving me positive thoughts as I play my round,” Martin said. 'He always sets his faith as a good example to follow.”

The stakes are higher today, playing in a district tournament at Hunters Ridge.