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McConnell Had Reason To Celebrate

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By ADAM ADKINS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 20, 2008

RIVERVIEW - Ian McConnell had a distinct way of celebrating during the state golf playoffs.

A la Tiger Woods, McConnell often displayed a fist pump to celebrate a good shot during the final weeks of the prep golf season. And that emphatic move became a prevalent sight during that time, as the sophomore home-schooled student who played for Riverview had a lot to celebrate.

McConnell's final fist pump came on the ninth hole at The Golf Club at Bridgewater in Lakeland, his final hole in the Class 2A state tournament. McConnell had just sunk a putt to complete an even-par final round, rebounding from a first-round 5-over 77.

McConnell's two-day, 36-hole total 149 left him tied for 12th in his first state tournament appearance, an impressive accomplishment that capped a great run for the Tribune's Hillsborough County Boys Golf Athlete of the Year, a run that included individual district and region titles.

"It was a great year," McConnell said as he reflected back on his accomplishments after his final round in the state tournament. "I didn't even make it to regional last year."
McConnell almost didn't make it out on the course this year. He entertained the idea of not playing the season, but eventually decided to because he wanted to be around the team environment. Coincidentally, that's where he made his biggest impact, according to Sharks coach Ron Slater.
McConnell undoubtedly spearheaded the Sharks' charge to a district title and regional berth, but he also took the time to help out the other golfers on the team who weren't as experienced. McConnell essentially served as an extra teacher, feeding his teammates tips to aid their improvement. And the biggest thing was Slater never asked his star player to do this - McConnell did it on his own. And the best thing was, McConnell always seemed happy to do so.

"I wouldn't trade these guys for anything," McConnell said at the state tournament, pointing to the group of teammates who accompanied him to Lakeland to cheer him on.
BOYS GOLF FIRST TEAM

Ian McConnell, Riverview, So.

Doug Letson, Plant, Jr.

Chris Biuso, King, Sr.

Rick Kittelstad, Blake, Sr.

Blake Morris, Berkeley Prep, Fr.

Charles Silverfield, Plant, So.

Coach of the Year: Mike James, Plant

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