The Hawks golf team has been a “strong force” for quite some time now. With varsity head coach Nick Panos and assistant coach Mitch Vocke to lead the way, North Harford has had a tee-rific season. From competing in large tournaments to eating at the Golden Corral as a team, Hawks golf has proven themselves to be a strong asset to North Harford sports. “I’m excited to see what is next [for us],” says sophomore Tyler Fialcowitz.
Tryouts took place at Geneva Farm Golf Course. Many new JV players were welcomed this year, but for varsity, the acceptance is a bit different. A total of 12 players play, and most joined the team in their freshman year. “When I tried out, I was very nervous,” says senior Lucas Parks. “It was a new experience for me, but after a few days [of being on the team], the nerves calmed down.” Junior Greg Sebring had a similar story. “It was my freshman year as well, and I somehow got through the nerves and shot really good.” Around the time of his tryouts, Fialcowitz focused all his attention on preparing for it. “I went out there and tried my hardest.”
Practices run three days a week at Geneva. “We hit balls on the driving range to warm up, and then we go out and play nine holes,” says Panos.
Once a week, the golf team participates in a tournament. Observers can come and watch, but it is important they stay on the cart path and don’t talk to the players. The regional tournament this year took place at Geneva Farm Golf Course and was all 18-holes. Players were required to shoot a 328 or better as a four-man team to make states, and North Harford shot a 319. As Panos said, “that’s pretty good golf.” In total, there were 14 teams in this tournament, and the Hawks placed second. This unlocks the opportunity to play in the state tournament, which will take place on October 29 and 30 in College Park, Maryland.
“Some goals for our team include making it to states, which we already have done,” says Panos. “[The players] really enjoy competing with each other, so that’s always a motivation.” While reflecting on the good times Sebring has had while being on the team, he mentioned his favorite memory. “Qualifying for states two years in a row has felt pretty good.”
“Everyone on the team wants to improve, so a lot of self-motivation goes on…. It is a lot different than most [team sports].” “Coach Panos has always been there for us,” says Parks. “He is our number one motivator.”
Panos has been coaching the golf team for 30 years, and he says his favorite thing is seeing the players improve. “We have a lot of good people [on the team], and I love watching them [grow] over the years.” In terms of the traits these players look for in a coach, Sebring says, “It is important [to have] someone who really loves the sport and feels [passionately] about helping us get better.” “Someone that allows us to strive for what we want,” Parks makes note. “Panos is there every step of the way.”
