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Canfield boys golfers win another AAC title
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Neighbors | Submitted.The Canfield boys golf team won its third straight AAC championship. Team members are, from left, Adam Bouch, Boo Timko, Zach Eckert, Ryan Sullivan and Dom Carano.
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Neighbors | Submitted.Canfield golfers Boo Timko (left) and Ryan Sullivan make their way up a cart path during a match against Howland this season.
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Ryan Sullivan tees off during one of Canfield's recent golf matches.
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Neighbors | Submitted.The Canfield golf team is playing well heading into tournament play. Team members are, from left, coach Michael Murphy, Adam Bouch, Zach Ekert, Chris Wilkins, Boo Timko and Dominic Carano.
Opposing golfers in the All-American Conference have more reason than Boo Timko’s first name to be nervous about teeing it up against the Canfield senior and his teammates.
Timko, an Ohio State recruit, shot a round of 40 to lead the Cardinals to their third straight AAC Red Tier championship when they beat rival Poland 159-168 on Sept. 23. He had plenty of help from his teammates though, as freshman Dom Carano took medalist honors with an even par 36.
“The boys love competing in the AAC because you are trying to beat local rivals — guys you grew up with,” said Canfield coach Michael Murphy, whose team is 22-2 in the AAC the past three season. “We take a lot pride in winning this championship. There are a lot of good players in our conference. It’s about rivalries and friendships.”
The win over Poland moved the Cardinals’ season record to 17-1, with the only loss coming to Beaver Local. Murphy said the keys to success so far have been focus and developing team depth.
“You really do take them one at a time. It is a cliche, but it’s true,” he said. “We played 11 different players in varsity matches and that creates depth. Most schools are solid at the 1-2-3 spots, but to be a state contender you have to be strong at 4-5-6.”
He knows that players like Timko don’t come around often and believes that when things are all said and done, Timko will be among the best in school and Valley history.
“Boo Timko will be remembered as one of the all-time great high school golfers to come from this area,” he said.
Carano might be the next in line to etch his name among the school’s most successful golfers.
“Carano has a lot of talent, works extremely hard and has a very good short game. He has a very high golf I.Q. and he understands how important course management is,” said Murphy.
With a league title in the bag, Canfield can set its sights on the postseason which should prove challenging against a tough field.
“We are in a very tough sectional bracket,” said Murphy. “Stow (2009 state finalist), Aurora, Walsh Jesuit, Streetsboro, Howland and Boardman are there. There are 16 teams total vying for four team spots and the top four individuals to go to districts at Pine Hills (Brunswick).
“If we play to our potential, I expect to advance.”