There will be plenty of new sights for the Chardon Boys Golf team this fall.
New courses. New opponents. A new conference.
After years competing in the Western Reserve Conference, the Hilltoppers begin their first season in the Chagrin Valley Conference, and while the surroundings may be different, the expectations inside the program haven’t changed.
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Second-year head coach Mark Fetheroff guided the Hilltoppers to a 7-3 record in conference play a year ago and returns three starters eager to prove they belong among one of Northeast Ohio’s deepest collections of golf programs.
“We’re new to the CVC this year,” Fetheroff said. “There’s a lot of talent on all of the teams in the CVC within our division, and I’m looking forward to a competitive season.”
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That challenge starts with a veteran core led by seniors Noah Darone, AJ Boose, and Kai Roesch.
Darone and Boose already know what it takes to compete at a high level. Both earned All-Western Reserve Conference honors last season after consistently producing quality rounds throughout the year, and both will be expected to anchor Chardon’s lineup every time the Hilltoppers tee it up this fall.
Roesch brings another experienced club to the lineup, giving Chardon three seniors capable of leading both on the scorecard and in the clubhouse.
The supporting cast could determine just how high the Hilltoppers climb.
Juniors Maverick Fetheroff and Luke Evans are expected to take on expanded roles after gaining valuable experience, while sophomore John Filby gives Chardon another young golfer with the potential to contribute immediately.
Replacing last year’s graduating class won’t be easy. Three seniors departed the program, including Ty Roediger, who capped his career by qualifying individually for the Division I District Tournament and tying for 50th place with an 80 at Pine Hills.
Still, Fetheroff believes the foundation is in place for another successful season.
For Chardon, success won’t simply be measured by birdies and pars. It will come from staying disciplined over nine and 18 holes, avoiding costly mistakes and responding to adversity when rounds don’t start perfectly.
“We need to play smart, control our emotions and stay focused,” Fetheroff said.
That mindset will be tested immediately in a conference loaded with experienced golfers and perennial contenders, but it’s also what makes the move to the CVC so appealing.
Every match will matter. Every stroke will count.
The Hilltoppers know there will be growing pains as they adjust to a new league, but with experienced seniors leading the way and young talent ready to emerge, Chardon believes it has the pieces to compete from the opening tee shot of the season.
