PRIDE IN POTSDAM

POTSDAM — Nick Miller is gone. Potsdam golfers say, "So what?"

The Sandstoners won the Section 10 tournament three of the last four years — all with Miller. Last year, Miller became the first player in 10 years to win the Section 10 individual crown three straight times.

Mike Ellis was right behind, finishing third in last year's tournament. The junior joins a group of talented, young golfers ready to defend their sectional title. Ellis will likely lead the way.

"Mike Ellis will be solid as a rock this year," said Potsdam coach Steve Kmack. "He played No. 2 behind Nick, but there were times he battled Nick. He'll go and compete with you hard."

Ellis finished last season with a 38 scoring average on nine holes. He hopes to drop it even lower this season.

"I want to be at 36 or 37 each time," he said. "My goal is to win Section 10."

To do that, he'll have to battle a number of players, including Massena's Matt Viskovich.

"He's definitely one to look out for," Ellis said. "We both can pull off some low rounds. There's some tough competition out there."

Ellis might even be challenged by players on his own team.

"We're very deep," said Kmack. "I've had some great teams, but this is probably the deepest I've ever had. I've got 10 kids that can break 40 on a given day."

Behind Ellis is Andy Rorick, TJ Rimmer, Ryan Thompson, Mike Chambers, Ben Stone, and twins Ryan and Matt Merriman. Many of them have been on the roster for multiple years. Thompson's been around since he was 12 years old.

"(Thompson) was a captain last year and is a captain this year," Kmack said. "This is his sixth year with me. Some people don't stay married that long."

Said Ellis, "There's definitely some competition on my own team. Miller was a really good player and all, but we got some other players that can play well."

Kmack said that's a good problem to have. There is one issue, however.

"The problem I'm going to have is getting the right kids in the lineup," Kmack said. "You've got your veterans like Mike Ellis who will be up in the lineup, and the Merrimans are going to be very good, but we've got kids that can go very low."

Kmack added that Potsdam will be especially difficult to beat because its sixth man can break 40. And Ellis will hover around even par.

"I'm conducting myself better on the course," said Ellis. "If I have a bad shot, I've learned to control myself and not let it kill my round."

Miller is the only player lost from Potsdam, and every player in contention for the top six has varsity experience. Kmack said Miller's work ethic rubbed off on his former teammates.

"We don't have a Nick Miller, but we have kids that emulated him and practice and play hard," he said. "I look for big things from the team."

NAC

Outlook:Potsdam and Massena will again the favorites in Division I, but Malone isn't far behind. The Huskies return four players to the varsity. Potsdam's only loss was Nick Miller. The Sandstoners' depth will prove advantageous throughout the season.Norwood-Norfolk and Tupper Lake tied for the top Division II spot last season. The Flyers return four seniors and eight juniors this year. They will be the team to beat, but don't count out Edwards-Knox, which has the Reilly brothers back. Both Patrick and Mike can shoot low, it's just consistency that has plagued the Cougars in recent years. Salmon River is looking to improve upon a third-place finish from last year as well, with plenty of talent coming back.

DIVISION I

Canton Golden Bears

Coach:Randy Brown.

2008 record:0-11.

Roster:Kristian Daley, Jordan Serviss, Kyle Clark, Carter Cutway, Spencer Mallette, Brodie Sherburne, Nate Christy, Ben Koser, Jesse Miller, Josh Mousaw, Jake Newman, Legman Anson, Patrick Thompson, Morgan Elliott.

Gouverneur Wildcats

Coach:KenHurst.

2008 record:5-5-1.

Roster:Christian Alguire (Sr.), Zachary Amberg (Jr.), Eugene Bishop (8th), Storm Blackburn (Jr.), Nathaniel Burgess (Jr.), Trevor Carr (Sr.), Thomas Gore (SO.), Dustin Lallier (Sr.), Drew Leonard (Sr.), Jeremy Phelps (Sr.), Jordan Phelps (So.), Alex Prespare (7th), Brandon Raymo (Sr.), Damin Sawyer (Sr.), Nicholas Sterling (Sr.), Samuel Sterling (So.), Kyle Waugh (So.), Matthew Weaver (Jr.), Talan Weeks (Sr.).

Malone Huskies

Coach:Chris Kelly.

2008 record:5-5.

Roster:Brandon Aanderud (Sr.), Austin Dunlavey (Fr.), Bryce Cosgrove (Sr.), Seth Barney (So.), Samantha Arnold (Sr.), Molly Hooper (Sr.), Mitchell Vanier (So.), Jon Dunlavey (8th), Emily Barber (Fr.), Alexandra Sprague (8th), Mitchell Mastry (Fr.), Evan Hanna (8th), Danny Sanchez (8th), Michael Sullivan (8th), Elliott Vanier (8th), Dylan Kelley (7th), Bach Schank (7th).

Massena Red Raiders

Coach:Joseph Mittiga.

2008 record:9-1.

Roster:Timothy Davey (Fr.), Alexandra Debien (So.), Cassandra Debien (Sr.), John Paul Dumas (Jr.), Angela Embark (Sr.), Derek Hammill (SO.), Candy Locy (Sr.), Lee Logsdon (So.), Danielle Long (Sr.), Nathanial McDonald (So.), Krystian Mitchell-Lazore (So.), Tyler Nevill (Fr.), Robert Oskineegish (Sr.), Katerina Radova (Sr.), Cheyenne Ransom (Sr.), Austin Sharp (So.), Ryan Siddon (Sr.), Diane Van Winkle (Sr.), Thomas Ward (Jr.), Walter Wilmshurst (So.), Jayden Wood (Fr.), Ryan Young (Jr.).

OFA Blue Devils

Coach:Joseph Lynch and Matt Tesmer.

2008 record:2-7-1.

Roster:Kayla Anderson (Jr.), Friederica Becker-Schulte, Michael Buscemi (Sr.), Garrett Carlton (8th), Tyler Carrow (So.), Joseph Cosmo (Sr.), Zeb Fortune, Jordan Greer (Sr.), Gerard Guimond (So.), Conor Hannan (7th), Jacob Herzog (Jr.), Colby LeBoeuf (Jr.), Kyle Lipinsky (So.), Alec Manke (8th), Jedidiah McRoberts (7th), Zachary Rishe (7th), Simon Sargent (7th), Nathan Sarkin (8th), Sarah Sarkin (Jr.), Jonica Tebo (Jr.).

Potsdam Sandstoners

Coach:Steve Kmack.

2008 record:9-1.

Roster:Ben Stone, Mike Ellis, Mike Chambers, Ryan Merriman, Matt Merriman, Ryan Thompson, TJ Rimmer, Cody Compeau, Andy Rorick.

DIVISION II

Clifton-Fine Eagles

Coach:Greg Peabody.

2008 record:1-9.

Roster:Tim Dowling, Tony Dowling, Andrew Hartmann, Austin Hebert, Zackary Kelley, Tazaren Moore, Jordan Pierce, Jordan Pratt.

Edwards-Knox Cougars

Coach:Fred Foster.

2008 record:5-7.

Roster:Patrick Reilly (Sr.), Michael Reilly (Jr.), Taylor Davis (Jr.), Dylan Davis (So.), Michael Murray (Fr.), Tyler Bleau (Jr.), Nes Pipatnanun (Sr.), Ross Curley (7th), Danielle Gollinger (Jr.), Ashley Davison (So.).

Heuvelton Bulldogs

Coach:Scott Chisholm.

2008 record:0-10.

Roster:Lucas Brown (7th), Garrison Cook (So.), Dedrick Johnson (8th), Christy O'Donnell (Jr.), Tyler Otis (Fr.), Joel Smithers (Sr.), Jacob St. Pierre (Fr.), Jack Tennant (8th), Andrew Thompson (Jr.).

Madrid-Waddington Yellowjackets

Coach:Aaron Jones.

2008 record:3-7.

Roster:Not provided.

Norwood-Norfolk Flyers

Coach:Jon Hogle.

2008 record:11-1.

Roster:Bruce Arquitt (Sr.), Ryan Brothers (Fr.), Chris Burkett (Jr.), Pat Dean (Jr.), Matt Fiacco (Jr.), Tyler Freeman (Fr.), Andrew Fyckes (Fr.), Billy Jackson (Sr.), Schuyle LaBarge (Fr.), Jake Ladouceur (Sr.), Anthony Mossow (Fr.), Matt Myers (Sr.), Andrew Olson (Jr.), Nick Stewart (Fr.), Chris Thomas (Jr.), Ryan Thomas (Fr.), Matt Volz (Jr.), Jesse Williams (Jr.), Alex Wize (Fr.).

Salmon River Shamrocks

Coach:John LePage.

2008 record:8-4.

Roster:Noah Bero, Austin Comins, Noah Cook, Bryan Croft, Wishe David, Hunter Francis, Jolene Garro, Sakohawesere George, Tyler Hance, Colton Hart, Tekawehrahkwatha Herne, Stephen Leroux, Alex Patnaude, Thomas Roundpoint, Colby Smoke, Jacob Swamp, Blake Tarbell, Dakota Tarbell, Savannah Thomas, Brent Thompson, Sonny White.

Tupper Lake Lumberjacks

Coach:Steve Skiff.

2008 record:11-1.

Roster:Kyle Amell, Pat Brown, Scott Brown, Kris Clark, Justin Dederick, Scott Delair, Bill Foley, Paige Garvey, Lyndon Gillis, Nate Higley, Elliot Hughes, Rick LaLonde, Bobbie LaLonde, Scott McGowan, Zach Meade, Tana Morgan, Megan Pickering, Austin Shaheen, Chris Vachon.

FRONTIER LEAGUE

Outlook: Top contenders, based on preseason reports from coaches, include Watertown in the "A" Division, Lowville and South Jefferson ("B" Division), Thousand Islands ("C") and Alexandria ("D"). The Cyclones return three of their top six from last year, including Michael Bufalini and Drew Laemmermann. Christian Clere and Jared Lehman are expected to stand out for Immaculate Heart Central, which defeated regular-season champ Watertown in the tournament championship last year. Carthage returns its top six from last season, making for a tight race in the "A" Division. Freshman Ryan Clark will lead a young South Jefferson team, which should prove to be competitive in the "B" Division again this season. Lowville will depend on the experience and leadership of senior Jacob Newton, who advanced to the Section 3 interclass tournament last season. Ben Benedetto of Altmar-Parish-Williamstown, another 2008 sectional qualifier, will stand out for the Rebels. Thousand Islands returns everyone from last season, and Alexandria returns five starters from last year's team, making those teams the clear favorites in the "C" and "D" Divisions, respectively.

"A" DIVISION

Carthage Comets

Coach: Sam Millich (9th year).

2008 record: 9-6-1, 8-5-1.

Roster: Andrew Gamble (Sr.), Mike Maglisco (Sr.), Jake Peterson (Sr.), Mike Murphy (Jr.), Jon Storms (Jr.), Andrew Swanson (Jr.), George Birth (So.), Joseph French (So.), Chris Kelley (So.), Devin Kidder (So.), Jared Nichols (So.), Jason Penner (So.), Lewis Swartz (So.), Cort Dunford (Fr.), Jerome Peterson (Fr.), Jeremy Spoor (Fr.).

Immaculate Heart

Cavaliers

Coach: Bob Narrigan (16th year).

2008 record: 11-4.

Roster: Christian Clere (Sr.), Matthew Ille (Sr.), Jared Lehman (Sr.), Ian Olley (Jr.), Seamus Van Tassel (Jr.), Zach Chatterton (So.), Erin Conklin (So.), Robert Weldon (So.).

Indian River Warriors

Coach: Tom Turgeon (18th year).

2008 record: 2-10-1.

Roster: Joshua Addington (Sr.), Heather Hartlaub (Sr.), Ashley Thurlow (Sr.), Alexander Turner (Sr.), Blake VanValkenburgh (Sr.), Jay Wewer (Sr.), Louis Alteri (Jr.), Ryan Dunn (Jr.), Patrick Kneram (Jr.), John Shaw (Jr.), Kayla McAlister (So.), Lindsey O'Connell (So.), Harlee-Rae Tanner (So.), Gaige Barker (8th), Jake Floyd (8th), Dominic Infantine (8th), Tyler John (8th).

Watertown Cyclones

Coach: Michael VanNostrand (16th year).

2008 record: 16-1, 14-0.

Roster: William Boulter, Michael Bufalini, Alexander John Carmen, Brendan Cooley, Grace Couch, Ian Drew, Trey Dyer, Travis Gebo, Skylar Gerken, Alex Grieco, Nick Gullo, Evan Heck, Nicholas Hughes, Chris Krake, Drew Laemmermann, Andrew Pope, Jack Ward.

"B" DIVISION

Altmar-Parish-

Williamstown Rebels

Coach: Brian Walsh (29th year).

2008 record: 0-15.

Roster: Bobby Bush (Sr.), Jon Hilton (Sr.), Zach O'Brien (Sr.), Igor Stanoev (Sr.), Cody Stever (Sr.), Jan Svab (Sr.), Ben Benedetto (Jr.), Allen Hudson (Jr.), Adam Archer (So.), Justin McAuslan (So.), Brandon Robinson (So.), Brooke Benedetto (Fr.), Zach Oakes (Fr.).

General Brown Lions

Coach: John Tinsley (10th year).

2008 record: 4-8-1.

Roster: Jon Hall (Sr.), Dylan Oliver (Sr.), Vince Amelio (Jr.), Sean Brouty (Jr.), Nate Gould (Jr.), David Siembida (Jr.), Spencer Timerman (Jr.), Jace Beidekapp (Fr.), Chadd Call (Fr.), Elliot Danielsen (Fr.), Corey Emmil (Fr.), Nick Massaro (Fr.), Austin Moyer (Fr.), Riley Parker (Fr.), Dan Phillips (Fr.), Andy Robinson (Fr.), AJ Biggs (8th), Joe Seeber (8th), Anthony VanTassel (8th).

Lowville Red Raiders

Coach: Jeff Larche (17th year, 103 wins).

2008 record: 5-9-2, 4-7-2.

Roster: David Beyer (Sr.), Matt Birchenough (Sr.), Erik Griffin (Sr.), Johnna Kelly (Sr.), Jacob Newton (Sr.), Cory Noftsier (Sr.), AJ Overton (Sr.), Jeremiah Townsend (Sr.), Greg Jump (Jr.), Miikka Lilja (Jr.), Cole Pominville (Jr.), Hunter Berrus (So.), Seth Cole (So.), Seamus Collins (So.), Kyle Logan (Fr.), Issac Newton (Fr.), Nick Denise (8th), Stephen Larche (8th), Tyler Ebersol (7th).

South Jefferson

Spartans

Coach: Adam Brown (2nd year).

2008 record: 10-2-1.

Roster: John Krone (Sr.), Zach Scordo (Sr.), Mike Kedenburg (Jr.), Jake Loveland (Jr.), Tyler Newell (Jr.), Spencer Parsons (Jr.), Josh Robinson (Jr.), Shane Slate (Jr.), Jed Tifft (Jr.), Cody Thomas (So.), Justice Ames (Fr.), Ryan Clark (Fr.), Alex Hahn (Fr.), Brandon Schad (Fr.), Tom Bassett (8th), Joseph Bell (8th), Brad Kellar (8th), Pearce Parsons (8th), Kyle Shelmidine (8th), Jacob Boenning (7th), Jayson Kellogg (7th), Bradley Lalone (7th).

"C" DIVISION

Beaver River Beavers

Coach: Don Moser (4th year).

2008 record: 3-10-1.

Roster: Bryan Monnat (Sr.), Jessica Decker (Jr.), Matthew Monnat (Jr.), Mitchell Roose (Jr.), Brandon Smith (Jr.), Adam Queen (Jr.), Christopher Davis (Fr.), Rogelio Higby (Fr.), Sean Messier (Fr.), David Merry (8th).

Sandy Creek Comets

Coach: Paul Goulet (7th year).

2008 record: 1-12.

Roster: Shane Conzone (Sr.), Robert Ferguson (Sr.), Tyler Gronau (Sr.), Oskar Grossman (Sr.), Marlo Kleinschmidt (Sr.), Josh Macvean (Sr.), Logan Stenson (Sr.), Andrew Blanding (Jr.), Ronnie Mullin (Jr.), Kris Shirley (Jr.), Justin Wallis (So.), Adam Fox (Fr.).

South Lewis Falcons

Coach: Ed Collins (14th year).

2008 record: 5-5-1.

Roster: Taylor Post (Sr.), Jon Rhone (Sr.), Megan Ortlieb (Jr.), Chris Siegel (Jr.), Jon Walters (Jr.), Joe Scitaro (So.), Stephanie Bush (Fr.), Pat Chase (Fr.), Mike Sabatini (Fr.), DJ Shoemaker (Fr.), Josh Walters (Fr.).

Thousand Islands Vikings

Coach: Dave Bowman (12th year).

2008 record: 12-2.

Roster: Luke Mitchell (Sr.), Bryan Olson (Sr.), Will Smith (Sr.), Ethan Taylor (Sr.), Jacob Waterman (Sr.), Anthony Becker (Jr.), Daniel Bowman (Jr.), Jillian Cipullo (Jr.), Megan Docteur (Jr.), James Glynn (Jr.), Andy Gregware (Jr.), Scotty Hall (Jr.), Eric Heins-White (Jr.), Dylan Hornback (Jr.), Peter Lagrow (Jr.), Michelle O'Brien (Jr.), Allison Orvis (Jr.), Mark Wolf (Jr.), Ian Hauck (So.), Scott Mason (So.), Elizabeth Semelsberger (So.), Ian Smith (Fr.).

"D" DIVISION

Alexandria Purple Ghosts

Coach: Wayne Farrell (26th year).

2008 record: 14-0.

Roster: Zachary Calhoun (Sr.), John Downey (Sr.), Jordan Sourwine (Sr.), Harrison Sweet (Sr.), Shawn Thomas (Sr.), Vincent Hoover (Jr.), Bryant McCarthy (Jr.), Nicholas Reddick (Jr.), Joshua Slocum (Jr.), Jarrett Sweet (So.), Alexis Derrigo (Fr.), Bryan Fefee (Fr.), Troyer Gill (Fr.), Julie Henry (Fr.), Zachariah Miller (Fr.), Nicholas Speach (Fr.), Justin Ward (Fr.), Nathen Derocher (8th), Zachariah Heschke (8th), Charles Livingston (8th), Christopher Strough (8th), Benjamin Boyer (7th), Raymond Dickhaut (7th), Andrew Henry (7th), Samantha Schnell (7th), Zachariah Stephenson (7th), Jordan VanBrocklin (7th).

LaFargeville Red Knights

Coach: Jay Shimel (3rd year).

2008 record: 3-10-1.

Roster: Corey Barton (So.), Dylan Jaero (So.), Tyler Alguire (Fr.), Kevin Baltz (Fr.), Cody Black (Fr.), T.J. Knight (Fr.), Derek Winters (Fr.), Gavin Davidson (7th), Cameron Rapant (7th), Robert Sanford (7th).

Lyme Indians

Coach: Jay Wiley (1st year).

2008 record: 5-9.

Roster: Seth Barry (Sr.), Eric McDermott (Sr.), Luke Norman (Sr.), Zach Tyndall (Sr.), Jared Wilson (Sr.), Joey Collins (Jr.), Jordan Jenkins (Jr.), Brittany Sharlow (Jr.), Lindsey Barber (So.), Cory Hyde (So.), Ariana Mattraw (So.), Jacob Speno (So.), Alex Weston (So.), Skyler Bocciolatt (Fr.), Audrey Schwind (Fr.), Zach Backus (8th).

Sackets Harbor Patriots

Coach: Tobin Fingar (10th year).

2008 record: 10-4.

Roster: Andre Cring (Sr.), Anthony Romeo (Sr.), Patrick Bombard (Jr.), Greg Cring (Jr.), Erik Fingar (Jr.), Kala Sears (Jr.), Steve Sherman (Jr.), Derek Sweitzer (Jr.), Lindsey Williams (Jr.), Noel Burnet (Fr.), Alexi Lapusnak (Fr.), Alex Rookey (Fr.), Andrew Thorp (Fr.).

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THE ELLIS FILE

Age, grade: 17, junior.

Parents: David and Cheryl.

Siblings: Bobby and Crystal.

Other sports: hockey.