Thornton Academy News
Sports Spotlight: Golf 2017
The Thornton Academy Golf Team has a tradition of excellence. With five State Championships in the team's history, most recently in 2015, the 2017 team is primed and ready to compete as well. The team is led by captain Jordan Laplume, who has played in the Varsity top 5 her entire career of TA golf. Coach Jeff Camire '91 is an alum of both Thornton Academy and the TA Golf program. With his focus on mental strength, the leadership of captain Laplume, and experienced and talented players, this year's team is ready to compete for yet another state championship.
The Thornton Academy 2017 Golf Team is in great shape to compete for the State Championship.
The TA Golf team this year has 10 seniors on the squad, an impressive level of depth and experience. Currently, the team has a win-loss record of 7-1 and is hopeful to go undefeated for the rest of the season. In match play, 6 players from one team compete directly against 6 players from the other team in a head-to-head match. The top three players this year for the Trojans are Jordan Laplume '18, Jacob Laplume '18, and Armand Ouellette '20. All three players competed this summer in the Maine Amateur tournaments for Men and Women. This tournament is for players of all ages, not just high school. Jordan Laplume placed an impressive 3rd among this group of talented Maine golfers. All three should compete in the High School individual championships later this fall at Natanis Golf Course.
Four year varsity starter Jordan Laplume '18 is team captain.
Coach Camire focuses on mental toughness with his team. He has a coaching certification in coaching the mental game, and plans to offer workshops to other Thornton Academy players. He says that one of the reasons that the TA Golf program has been so successful is that the players are "pretty solid mentally and know how to get around the course."
Coach Jeff Camire '91 strategizes with Jacob Laplume '18 between holes.
In addition to their normal practices and matches at Biddeford Saco Country Club, the golf team participates in two special tournaments. Next Friday, September 29, the varsity team will hold a tournament against alums from the TA Golf. Each player will compete head to head against one alum in a 9 hole best ball tournament. Longtime coach Mike Verrier will serve as starter for the tournament and reconnect with some of his former players. The second special tournament takes place after the end of the team's season. Varsity and JV players are paired up in a Ryder Cup style tournament and the pairs compete against each other. Biddeford Saco Country Club generously provides refreshments to the team for the tournament banquet.
Jacob Laplume '18 walks down the course with opponents from Bonny Eagle.
Keep up with the golf team on the TA website.
