Holmdel golf going through growing pains this season BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer Despite its struggles so far this season, coach Bob Krieg believes his Holmdel High School boys golf team has a bright future. The Hornets, who are loaded with underclassmen, are currently 1-13- with the lone victory coming against Point Pleasant Beach in the season opener. "As a team we've had it tough, but I look at it as an opportunity for our freshmen and sophomores," Krieg said. "Every time one of them gets to play, they're getting better and learning more about the game. If we have a bunch of seniors and juniors, they wouldn't even be playing.We graduated a lot of our starters, so our younger guys are now playing a lot and getting very valuable experience." Freshmen RyanWetmore and Ben Pac have been Holmdel's top golfers.Wetmore averages 48 shots and has shown good accuracy on the course and a nice touch around the greens. Pac plays a similar style and is an excellent putter. He averages 50 strokes per nine holes. Sophomore Reggie Hot and P.J. Murray hold down the three and four spots in the Hornets' lineup. Both are big hitters and Krieg noted that they are working to shore up the short game. "When you can hit the ball like those two can, it's a big advantage," the coach said. "They both have great technique and they just need to refine their games a bit." Michael Chun, the lone junior on the team, along with freshmen James Chen and Mike Saltzman have split time in the fifth spot. Krieg added that several other freshmen are showing good promise while vying for playing time. "We have a few guys who are really on the cusp and I'm hoping they get the golf bug," Krieg said. "This is a sport where you really have to practice and show dedication to succeed. We have quite a few guys who are capable of turning into outstanding golfers. This is a game you've got to want to play. It's also a game of honor; you actually have to call penalties on yourself. It's a good character builder." Holmdel, which still calls Bamm Hollow Country Club home, was slated to meet Rumson-Fair Haven onMonday and return to host St. John Vianney this afternoon and Matawan on Thursday.