Patriots Second in National Tournament

The Christ Prep Patriot golf team placed second in the first-ever National Homeschool Golf Tournament which concluded today at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield, Mo.  CPA shot a combined 323 in today's second day of competition--two shots better than yesterday's 325--but still lost by nine shots to the Texas Home Educators' Sports Association (THESA) Riders of Ft. Worth. The final team scores were as follows: THESA-639; CPA-648; Oklahoma City Storm-710.

Christ Prep placed three golfers in the overall individual top ten. Joey Johnson led the Patriots with a 36 hole score of 154, good for 4th Place overall. Adam Johnson and Davis Finley both shot 160 and took 6th and 7th Place honors, respectively.  The top three individual finishers were Kasey Cazet (69-80-149) of California, Wyatt Larcon (74-76-150) of Georgia and T. Shanks (78-75-153) of THESA.

Other Patriot competitors and their scores were Logan Routh (88-95-183), Timothy Finley (99-86-185), and Phoebe Finley (117-118-235). Today's competition was played from Rivercut's 6500 yard blue tees, some 500 yards longer than the white tees utilized in Thursday's round.

Today marked the final round for senior golfer Davis Finley who completed his fifth season playing for Christ Prep.  Scroll down to view more photos of today's competition.

Patriots Second After First Day

The Christ Prep Patriots are in second place at the conclusion of the first day of play at the National Homeschool Golf Championships. CPA's top four golfers combined to shoot 325 on the par 72 Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield, Missouri. The Patriots trail the Texas Home Educators' Sports Association (THESA from Ft. Worth, Texas) by 3 strokes. The Oklahoma City Storm (Oklahoma City's homeschool team) is in third place with a 338.

Joey Johnson led all CPA golfers with a 3-over-par 75. That mark was good for a fourth place tie for individual honors after Day 1. Kasey Lazet of Ricon Valley, Ca. shot a three-under-par 69 to claim the individual Day 1 lead. Lazet, the only golfer with red numbers, has a five shot lead over Wyatt Larcon and Tyler Spencer from New Covenant in Georgia.

Other Patriot golfers scored as follows: Davis Finley (80), Adam Johnson (82), Logan Routh (88), and Timothy Finley (98). Seventh grader Phoebe Finley, one of two girls in the competition, shot 116.

The Patriots resume play tomorrow at at 10:00 a.m. from Rivercut's 6500 yard blue tees. The competitors played today from the 6000 yard white tees.

This week's competition is the first ever national homeschool championship. The tournament is being held in conjunction with similar national championships in soccer and track and field.

Christ Prep Takes Team Title, Six of Top Ten Medals at KCAA

The Christ Prep Patriots delivered six solid rounds today en route to defending their KCAA Title at Ironhorse Golf Club in Leawood, Kans. CPA shot a team total 328 which was almost 70 strokes better than second place Veritas at 397. Cair Paravel was third with a 415.

The Patriots dominated individual medals as the six teammates each finished in the top ten.  Joey Johnson led the Patriots with a three-over-par 75 while Adam Johnson shot 80. Those scores were good for 2nd and 3rd places, respectively. Nick Gardner of Veritas led all golfers with an even par 72. 

Logan Routh returned an impressive 84 for the Patriots, which was good for 5th Place. Other Patriots in the top ten were Davis Finley (7th with an 89), Timothy Finlehy (8th with a 94) and Jacob Bronars (9th with a 101)

The Patriots close out their 2010 season next week as they travel to Springfield, Mo. to compete in the national homeschool golf tournament.

Scroll down to view more photos from the Championship.

KCAA Endures Elements, Enjoys Banquet

The Christ Prep Patriots endured harsh playing conditions today and outlasted much of the competition on the first day of the KCAA Championships at St. Andrews GC in Overland Park, Kans. Much of the field withdrew from competition as steady rains, gusting winds, and tepid temperatures made play anything but enjoyable.

Joey Johnson led several Patriots who finished in the top ten individually. Joey overcame an opening hole double bogey and finished with a six-over-par 77, leading the field. Brother Adam fired an 81 and claimed second place.  Davis Finley, Timothy Finley, and Logan Routh ended in a 3-way-tie for sixth place.

The weather forced team coaches to discount today's play in the hunt for overall medalist and team awards. The sole determinent for these will be tomorrow's play at Ironhorse G.C. in Leawood.

The Patriots enjoyed an excellent KCAA banquet featuring a talk by Washburn University golf coach Doug Hamilton. More details on the evening's events will be provided later in the week.

Christ Prep Hosting KCAA Championships

The Christ Prep Patriots will host the Kansas Christian Athletic Association (KCAA) Championship this week in Overland Park and Leawood, Kans.  The KCAA event will be expanding to a 36 hole format for the first time, utlizing two courses--St. Andrews and Ironhorse.

Play begins today at approximately 1:00 p.m. with tee times on St. Andrews' front and back nines. The 30 competitors will be treated to a banquet this evening with the featured speaker being Coach Doug Hamilton of the Washburn University Ichabod golf team.

Play gets tougher tomorrow as the six teams travel down the road to Leawood to compete at the more challenging Ironhorse Golf Club.

Awards willl be given to the top three teams (both trophies and individual medals) as well for the top ten individual competitors.

Look for results this evening and tomorrow.

Patriots Second Once Again to KC Christian

The Christ Prep Patriots came up short once again today against Kansas City Christian in the nine team Veritas Invitational at Alvamar Golf Club in Lawrnece, Kans. CPA shot a team total 332, just three strokes back of KC Christian's winning mark of 329. Christ Prep's score provided them a comfortable margin over third place and host Veritas. Other participating schools included Cair Paravel, Flint Hills, Sunrise Christian of Wichita, Blue Ridge Christian, Wichita (Homeschool) Warriors, and Center Place Restoration School.

Christ Prep took home two of the top three individual medals. Sophomore Joey Johnson led the field with the day's low, a two-over-par 74. Brother Adam Johnson, junior, shot a 79 which was good for third place. KC Christian's Joe Lambert was second with a 77.

The Patriots now prepare for the KCAA Championships to be held May 10-11 at St. Andrews and Ironhorse Golf Clubs. The 36 hole event will feature many of the teams in today's competition, although KC Christian will be participating in the KSHAA playoffs.

Finley Medalist as Short-handed Patriots Fall at Center Place

A skeleton crew of young Patriot golfers traveled to Winterstone Golf Club in Independence Friday to take on Center Place in a nine-hole match.  The Patriots fell to the host school 206-246 although Timothy Finley fired a seven-over-par 43 to claim Medalist honors for the day.

Other Patriot scores included Sawyer Massing's 64, Connor Johnson's 66, and Phoebe Finley's 73. All in all, the Patriots' youth (two 7th graders, one 8th grader, and a freshman) competed very well on the difficult 3,200 yard Winterstone front side. An abundance of water, sand, and a wicked rough (made more difficult by early-morning rains) caused the already challenging course to play tougher than usual.

The Patriot varsity returns to action Tuesday, May 4 at Alvamar in Lawrence for the competitive Veritas Invitational.

Scroll down to view more photos of yesterday's action....

Link to Osawatomie Results in Kansas City Star

http://varsity.kansascity.com/custom/article&news_id=3833

Patriots Take Third Place Among Twenty Team Field at Osawatomie

The Christ Prep Patriot golf team leveraged mixed individual results today to take third place in the Osawatomie Invitational in Osawatomie, Kansas.  CPA's team score totalled a somewhat disappointing 323, but that mark was sufficient to put the Patriots ahead of 17 other (mostly larger) Kansas schools. Kansas City Christian fired a school record 306 which provided a substantial margin over CPA and second place finisher Tonganoxie, which returned a team total of 322--one better than Christ Prep.

Team totals were as follows:

1. Kansas City Christian--306
2. Tonganoxie--322
3. Christ Prep--323
4. Anderson County--325
5. Topeka Hayden (mixed V and JV)--328
6. Ottawa--332
7. Paola--342
8. Jayhawk Linn--348
9. Gardner--350
10. Spring Hill--351
11. Basehor-Linwood--357
12. DeSoto--374
13. Louisburg--378
14. Lansing--380
15. Bishop Ward--381
16. Osawatomie--402
17. Maranatha--417
18. Baldwin--419
19. Perry Lecompton--440
20. Immaculata--497

Christ Prep's Adam and Joey Johnson once again led the Patriots individually and placed high in the overall field. The brothers both fired six-over-par 76's--good enough for a 3-way tie for third place. Kansas City Christian's Joe Lambert returned a 2-under 68 to gain the overall medalist honors while Tonganoxie's Colby Yates carded a 1-under 69 to claim sole possession of 2nd Place.

Other Patriot scores were as follows: Logan Routh--84 (T-22), Davis Finley--87 (T-39), Jacob Bronars--90 (T-45), and Timothy Finley--94 (T-60). A total of 112 golfers participated in the event, played at the rain-soaked par 70 Osawatomie Golf Course.

The Patriots are idle next week as the team prepares for the Veritas-Alvamar Invitational May 4.

Editor's Note: Weather conidtions today required us to use a photo from yesterday's William Jewell Invitational. Photo of sophomore Logan Routh.

Patriots Place Second at William Jewell Invitational

The Christ Prep Patriots placed 2nd among  10 teams at the William Jewell Invitational today in Liberty, Mo. CPA shot a team score of 341 on the par 72 Cardinal Hill (formerly Claycrest) Golf Club layout.

First place honors went to the Kearney "Gold" team, led by junior phenom Ryan Zech. Kearney shot a combined 311 while Zech took individual medalist honors, firing a 3-under-par 69 on the 6,500 yard Cardinal Hill course. St. Pius X took third with a 351.

CPA was led once again by the brothers Johnson. Sophomore Joey Johnson shot a 74, which was good for second place. Junior Adam Johnson tied for third with a 79.

In a few short hours the Patriots will tee off in a shotgun start at the 21 Team Osawatomie Invitational in Osawatomie, Ks.

Patriot Golfers Set School Record at Eagle Bend

The Christ Prep Patriot golf team set a new school record today at the Veritas Invitational at Eagle Bend Golf Course in Lawrence, Kans.  The team combined for an all-time low of 309, which was better than the next closest team by over sixty strokes.

Adam Johnson led the Patriots with an even par 72 on the 6,014 yard Eagle Bend layout. He started out his round by carding birdies on the first three holes and blistered the front side.

CPA's Joey Johnson and Davis Finley each shot 76 for the day, giving the Patriots a clean sweep of the first three medals. Jacob Bronars, who had been playing in the sixth position, brought in the fourth best Patriot score with a career best 85. Teammates Logan Routh and Timothy Finley shot 92 and 94, respectively.

Other teams participating in the meet were the host team Veritas of Lawrence as well as Flint Hills Christian (Manhattan), Sunrise Christian Academy (Wichita), Cair Paravel (Topeka), Seabury (Lawrence), Maranatha (Overland Park), and Blue Ridge Christian (Kansas City, Mo.).

Patriots Return Season's Best in Second Place Finish

The Christ Prep Patriot golf team combined for a season low 322 strokes but could only manage second place in the ten team Horton Invitational today at Lakeview CC in Horton, Kansas. The event was won by Kansas City Christian which turned in an impressive 309. Silver Lake High School was third with 329.

Several Patriots captured individual honors. Leading the way was junior Adam Johnson who delivered a 4-over par 76, good for 3rd place. His brother, sophomore Joey Johnson was 5th with a 77. Senior Davis Finley was 7th with an 82.

Finishing just out of the medals impressive nonetheless was sophomore Logan Routh who carded an 87. Other Patriot scores included a 96 by junior Jacob Bronars and a 101 by freshman Timothy Finley.

Christ Prep will return to the links tomorrow as the team travels to Eagle Bend GC in Lawrence to attend the Veritas Invitational.

Wednesday Provides Glimpse of Patriots' Future

The Christ Prep golf team showcased its up-and-coming talent in a three-way match Wednesday at the Village Greens Golf Club in Ozawkie/Meriden, Kansas.  The Patriots finished second in the meet behind Cair Paravel of Topeka, the host school. The Wichita Homeschool Warriors were third. Team scores were as follows: Cair Paravel: 354; CPA: 415; Wichita Homeschool: 452.

Individual medals were awarded to five competitors, four of which were from Cair Paravel. Christ Prep's Timothy Finley carded a 94 which was good for fourth place.

The Patriots' showing was particularly impressive considering the team was composed of one junior, one freshman, two 8th graders, and two seventh graders.  Besides Finley's 94, other CPA scores were as follows: Jacob Bronars (102); Sawyer Massing (104); Jacob Bishoff (115); Phoebe Finley (124); and Connor Johnson (126).

The Patriots endured warm temperatures and a stiff south wind at the 18 hole meet. The golfers played from the forward tees which measure approximately 5,600 yards on the par 72 layout.

The Patriot upperclassman have a busy week next week as they play invitationls at Horton, Veritas, William Jewell and Osawatomie. These four events will provide some of the Patriots' toughtest competition to date.

Christ Prep Golfers Show Well at Blue Springs South Invitational

The Christ Prep Patriots made an excellent showing yesterday at the Blue Springs South "Jaguar Invitational" held at Lakewood Oaks Country Club in Lee's Summit, Mo.  The Patriots finished fourth in the field of 21 larger Missouri schools which put forth both varsity and junior varsity competition. The top four CPA golfers combined for a team score of 339, which barely missed the 2nd and 3rd Place scores of 336 and 338 returned by Blue Springs South "B"and Raytown South, respectively.  Liberty finished first with a team total 327.

Individually for Christ Prep, sophomore Joey Johnson led the Patriots with a seven-over-par 78. That score was good enough for third place (behind two 74s) overall in the Invitational's field, which included almost 100 competitors.

The narrow Lakewood Oaks layout made yesterday's play difficult as no golfers broke par. The Invitational was played from Lakewood's blue tees, which measured 6,301 yards for the event.

The full team results were as follows:

School and Score

Liberty     327

Blue Springs South B 336

Raytown South 338

Christ Prep 339

Staley 342

Lee's Summit West B 343

Blue Springs South A 346

Rockhurst B 350

Truman 352

Blue Springs 361

Lee's Summit B 361

Fort Osage 368

Park Hill South B 377

Belton 398

Lee's Summit North B 399

William Chrisman 405

Hickman Mills 415

Park Hill 443

Winnetonka 444

Barstow (3 Players)

St. Pius (3 Players)

The Patriot Junior Varsity was also in action yesterday at the Veritas Invitational in Lawrence, Kansas. Jacob Bronars led the Patriot JV with a score of 100. Other CPA golfers included Sierra Massing, Jacob Bishoff, Connor Johnson, Sawyer Massing, and Phoebe Finley. These Patriots combined for fourth place in the event. Stay tuned for more comprehensive results.

All Patriot golfers grades 9-12 will see action today against St. Mary's of Independence at a nine hole afternoon match at Winterstone GC in Independence, Mo.

Patriots Take Split Squad to Warrior Invitational

The Christ Prep Patriots took 2nd AND 3rd places yesterday in the five team "Warrior Invitational" golf tournament hosted by Blue Ridge Christian School at Royal Meadows Golf Club in Raytown, Mo.

The Patriot "Red" team was edged out by Veritas of Lawrence by a seven stroke margin. The red team prevailed against its friendly rival, the CPA "Blue" team, however, which missed out on 2nd place by a mere three strokes.

Yesterday's split squad format was similar to that utilized by Major League Baseball teams in Spring Training. The approach allowed the junior high members of the Patriot squad to compete with their senior high counterparts and was a way for the younger participants to contribute to their team's success.

Individual honors were captured by many Christ Prep golfers. Sophomore Joey Johnson led the way as medalist with a 76. CPA sophomore Logan Routh was second with an 83. Junior Adam Johnson was third with an 84 and senior Davis Finley carded an 86 which was good for 5th Place. Freshman Timothy Finley  was the other Patriot in the top ten as he shot 90 which was good for 6th.

The grudge match between the red and blue teams was reportedly a lot of fun of both squads. The winning red team consisted of (left to right above) Davis Finley, Phoebe Finley, Jacob Bronars, Sawyer Massing, and Joey Johnson.

The blue team was comprised of (left to right) Jacob Bishoff, Sierra Massing, Timothy Finley, Adam Johnson, and Logan Routh.

All Patriots will be in action Monday as the top five varsity competitors will be at the Blue Springs South Invitational at Lakewood Oaks GC in Lee's Summit, Mo. while  JV and Jr. High squad travels to Lawrence to compete in the Veritas Invitaional.

Patriot Golfers Place Fourth at Grain Valley Invitational

The Christ Prep Patriot golf team placed fourth in a field of 14 teams today at the Grain Valley Invitational held at Adam's Pointe Golf Club in Blue Springs, Mo.  The team results were as follows:

Team and Score


Warrensburg 304

Booneville 316

Harrisonville 322

CPA 337

Pleasant Hill 345

Marshall 352

Clinton 359

Lexington 361

Nevada 362

Grain Valley 370

Odessa 373

Oak Grove 379

Knob Noster 380

Platte County 387

Individual awards went to Patriot golfers Adam and Joey Johnson who both fired seven-over-par 77s. The Johnsons' score was good for a tie for 5th Place for all individuals.  Two Warrensburg golfers tied for medalist honors with 72s. Any score in the 70's was excellent today as weather and wet course conditions made the already difficult 6,380 yard layout even more challenging.
 
Today's meet will be among the most competitive CPA will see this year as Warrensburg is the defending Missouri State Champion in its class. The Patriot Golf Team will be back in action tomorrow as it travels to Royal Meadows golf course in Raytown, Mo. to compete in the Blue Ridge Christian Scholl "Warrior Invitational."

The Greatest Week in Sports?

The first two weekends in April serve as bookends for what many consider as "The Greatest Week in Sports." It's in this ten day period that we get to experience the NCAA Final Four, opening day for Major League Baseball, and the most prestigious tournament in golf--The Masters.

This Monday will be the busiest day of all, as it will contain the MLB opener as well as the NCAA Championship Game. It's a great day with something for everyone. In baseball, every team--even the Royals--are still not mathematically eliminated from the pennant race. Hope springs eternal as the boys of summer take the field. And after this winter, we need a foreshadowing of summer.

As for basketball, Monday is the climax and conclusion of the 2009-2010 college season. And even though 62 teams and their fans are disappointed they don't have more at stake Monday night, most of the pain of losing in earlier rounds has subsided to a sufficient degree so that the Final can be watched and enjoyed (Go Butler!). As soon as this year's champion is crowned, we'll all be looking to next year as our hopes are rekindled.

Tuesday morning we'll wake up and look to Thursday and the start of the Master's. It should be an interesting week as many eyes turn to Tiger Woods and his returns to the Tour. And whatever you think of Tiger, the Master's signals that Spring is here--or at least it's in Augusta, Georgia and will be coming to a locaion close to you very soon.

As you watch the Masters on television this week, contemplate what you'd do if you busted a drive off the no. 13 tee and had to carry a 3-wood about 235 over Rae's Creek to reach the green. Would you lay up with a 7-iron or go for the chance at eagle?  Maybe it depends on whether or not you were leading the tournament or doing everything you could to make the cut.

What would you do if you were just you and had the chance to play there? How would you manage the challenge of hole 13 at Augusta National?

The legendary Bobby Jones said this about hole no. 13 and this potential dilemma: "Whatever position may be reached with the tee shot, the second shot as well entails a momentous decision whether or not to try for the green. Several tournaments have been won or lost here, even though the decision may not have been obvious at the time." (From the Masters' Official Website)

My friend Jim Elliff posted an excellent piece which uses this dilemma to highlight a spiritual principle. I encourage you to read it at  http://ow.ly/1u4M3. I think you'll say "Amen," but not because you've just successfully played Augusta National's holes 11-13.

Enjoy the week!

Patriots Edged by Truman, KC Christian

The Christ Prep Patriot golf team battled a couple of talented foes today and came in a close third during a hard-fought match at Loch Lloyd Country Club in the Village of Loch Lloyd, Mo.  The four team, nine hole match was won by Truman High School with a 167, Kansas City Christian barely edged CPA for second place--171 to 172. Barstow, the host team, was a distant fourth at 224.

Joseph Lambert of Kansas City Christian was the overall medalist with a three-over-par 38. Joey Johnson led the Patriots with a team low 39. Adam Johnson was right behind with a 40 and Timothy Finley contributed a 44. Logan Routh and Jacob Bronars completed the CPA lineup by firing a 49 and 60, respectively.

Loch Lloyd is among the finest courses that the Patriots will play this year.  The Donald Sechrest design has hosted a variety of PGA Senior Tour events. Today's match was played from the front nine's white tees, which measure 3,125 yards.

The Patriots are back in action Monday morning at the Grain Valley Invitational in Blue Springs at the Adam's Pointe Golf Club. This will be CPA's first 18 hole event of the year.

Christ Prep Golfers Win at Archie

The Christ Prep Patriot golf team won its first tournament of the season yesterday, bettering the Archie Whirlwinds and Drexel Bobcats at a three team tournament held at Blackberry Trails Golf Club in Archie, Mo.

The top four Patriot golfers combined for 158 strokes over Blackberry Trails' front nine. That score gave CPA a seven stroke margin over Drexel, which combined for a total of 165. Archie was a distant third at 200.

Davis Finley was the overall medalist, carding an even par 35. Patriot newcomers Adam and Joey Johnson added scores of 40 and 41, respectively, while Timothy Finley contributed a 42.  CPA golfers Logan Routh, Jacob Bronars, and Sierra Massing also contributed solid rounds although their scores were not included in the team total.

CPA's 7th and 8th graders also got into action. Excellent outings were delivered by 8th Graders Connor Johnson and Jacob Bishoff and 7th Graders Sawyer Massing and Phoebe Finley.

The Patriot varsity resumes action Thursday as they travel to Loch Lloyd Country Club in Belton, Missouri, to take on Barstow, Kansas City Christian, and Truman.

Scroll down to see some more photos of Monday's action.

Christ Prep Spring Sports Meeting Tomorrow

The CPA spring sports information meeting will be held at Christ Prep's facilities at First Family Church--7700 W. 143rd Street in Overland Park. School administrators and coaches will be on hand to discuss upcoming sports like baseball, golf, track and field, and soccer.