SVHS golf team eyeing league title
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers ON TARGET- Simi Valley High senior Tyler Ostrovsky stares down a shot at Simi Hills Golf Course.

Although the Simi Valley High boys' golf team may trail Royal in the Marmonte League standings, the Pioneer marksmen seem to be peaking at just the right time.

On Tuesday against Agoura, SVHS broke its home course record at Simi Hills Golf Course when they posted a 361, beating the Chargers by 29 strokes.

Junior J.D. Archibald shot a 69, which was two-under par. Sophomore Chase Patten shot a 71, while sophomore Matt McLaughlin logged a 73. Seniors Tyler Ostrovsky and Alex Schock each posted 74s.

Simi Valley then defeated Moorpark on Wednesday. The win put the Pioneers' overall record at 14-2 with a league record of 12-2.

According to first-year head coach Roger McCamy, SVHS must continue to play well if they have any hopes of overtaking the Highlanders in the league standings. The Pioneers will also need a little luck, he added.

"For us to beat Royal, they're basically going to have to fall flat on their face," McCamy said. "They have outstanding kids on their team. I mean, we shot lights out in the first Marmonte League tournament against them last week and still lost by seven strokes."

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers SPLITTING THE FAIRWAY- Alex Schock of Simi Valley does a little handiwork with his iron on Tuesday afternoon.

Simi Valley will also have to have Archibald continue his great play on the links. Archibald has been on a tear recently by shooting a 64 at Los Robles Greens last week.

"He has been here for three years, and every year he just gets better and better," McCamy said. "He is one of the best players in the area."

The junior is already talking to Notre Dame and the University of San Diego about playing golf in college, but for now Archibald is confident his Pioneer team can take a league title.

"Everyone has been playing up to their caliber lately," Archibald said. "This year it's been more unexpected that we are doing well. In order for us to win league, we need to continue to have everyone keep doing what they have been doing and also have our fifth and sixth guys play well."

With Archibald, Patten and McLaughlin returning next year, the Pioneers' future looks bright. However, seniors Schock and Ostrovsky want to win now- in their last year wearing the maroon and gold. Both players have been on the varsity team all four years they've attended SVHS.

"We need to focus on playing our game and not worry about how good Royal is doing," Schock said. "If we take care of business and play our own game, we should be fine."

Although Schock said he's enjoyed playing all four years at Simi, his biggest highlight came this year against Westlake High.

"My favorite memory was when we beat Westlake by one stroke," Schock said. "It was the first time we had beaten them since Tyler and I have been here. Down the stretch we knew the score was close, and it was great when we pulled off the win."

McCamy said the leadership of Schock and Ostrovsky has been invaluable to this year's team.

"Their immense leadership seems to keep the team on an even keel," McCamy said. "They lead by example, but they will let someone know vocally if they have to do something. It makes my job a lot easier because the other kids would rather hear advice from them than me."

McCamy has coached other sports such as football, basketball and tennis, but said that coaching this year's golf team has been a pleasant change.

"The kids on the team are class individuals," McCamy said. "They have a great sense of humor, and they also do very good in the classroom. I love that because I never have to worry about grades with this team."