PORTLAND, Ore.—Concordia University golf coach Ronn Grove announced last week the addition of five student-athletes to the 2010 Cavalier recruiting class. Joining the Cavalier men’s team next fall will be
Jesse Heinly (Bend, Ore./Summit H.S.),
Joel Mallams (Whitefish, Mont./Whitefish H.S.) and
Taylor Schmidt (Boise, Idaho/Bishop Kelly) while
Sunny Powers (Medford, Ore./North Medford H.S.) and
Sarah Wood (Portland, Ore./Reynolds H.S.) will be newcomers to the women’s squad.
Heinly graduated from Summit High School in Bend, Ore., in 2010 after a successful four-year varsity career. As a senior, Heinly tied for third place at the Oregon 5A State Championships with a 5-over 149 and helped the Storm to a second-place result. As a junior, Heinly placed second individually while helping Summit to a third-place result at the state championships. He also guided the team to a runner-up result at the IMC Championships that season. Heinly played varsity basketball for two seasons and was a member of the sixth-place state team in 2010.
“Jesse is another high-caliber young golfer who grew up in the game as his father is a PGA professional at Broken Top (Bend, Ore.),” Grove said. “He has compiled an outstanding high school career after finishing in the top 10 at state the past two seasons. We are counting on him to be an outstanding member of the team next year.”
Powers scored four straight top 20 finishes at the Oregon 6A State Championships while attending North Medford High School. Powers concluded her prep career with a 10th-place result at state after firing a 13-over 157. She tallied a 12th-place finish as a junior after tying for 16th as a sophomore and 11th as a freshman. Powers helped the Tornadoes to third-place team finishes in 2009 and 2007 and a sixth-place result in 2008.
“Sunny has the potnential to be our next All-American,” Grove said. “She has great fundamentals and one of the best golf swings I have seen from a high school player. In my mind, can step right in and take a top spot.”
Schmidt capped his high school resume with medalist honors at the 4A Idaho State Championships in combination with a team title for Bishop Kelly High School. Schmidt opened the tournament with a 3-unde 69 in the first round en route to a three-stroke win for the Knights to end the year with a 75.7 strokes per round average. A three-year letterwinner, Schmidt placed ninth at state while the team secured a third-place finish during his junior season.
“We are extremely excited about Taylor joining the program,” Grove said. “To have the opportunity to have a player of Taylor’s caliber join our men’s team will put us in a much higher competitive position when we go out to the major events.”
Wood will arrive to Concordia after finishing a multi-sport career at Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon. Wood was a member of the Raider basketball and golf teams for several seasons despite battling several injuries throughout her career.
“Sarah will be a solid addition to our women’s team,” Grove said. “She is strong and has a very competitive mindset. She is also long off the tee which will give her a leg up on most of her competitors, but most of all, she has a strong passion for the game.”
Mallams was a four-year varsity golf team member and a three-time all-state honoree for Whitefish High School in Montana. As a senior, Mallams placed seventh overall to earn All-State honors while Whitefish landed the team trophy. Mallams was also a member of state championship squads in back-to-back seasons during his freshman and sophomore campaigns. Mallams was also a member of the varsity tennis teams for three seasons.
“Joel is a sleeper,” Grove said. “He is a perfect physical specimen for the game of golf. He is a very consistent player and one that will be competitive for his four years. We are proud of him joining the program.”