Concord- Carlisle takes Div. 2 golf crown

The foundation was laid a year ago, when the Concord-Carlisle golf team placed fourth in the state final, the best finish in program history.

In the view of coach Phil Gibson, the achievement was a critical step.

This fall, the Patriots went 16-4 during the regular season before claiming the Division 2 state crown last month, nosing out Nauset Regional, 305-321, at Gannon Golf Course in Lynn. Woburn (323) finished third.

"There's been a program at C-C since the 1940s and this was the first state title," said Gibson. Last year "really set the tone for this year. It gave the guys a taste."

Senior captain Stephen Winslow, a four-year player who led the Patriots with 12 individual wins, fired a 76 in the final, tying for second as an individual.

Senior captain Tommy Ferguson, junior Brodie Stone and freshman Ryan Harris solidified the championship, with Stone leading the team with a 73. Stone was the Dual County League's individual champ while Harris shot a team-best 72 at the sectional tournament the week prior. Senior Bryan Byrnes was another key member of the squad.

"Their leadership has been part of a team that's won 47 matches over three years," said Gibson. "They'll be missed a lot. On the positive side, we're returning four of the six guys we brought to states. There's a host of other guys coming up that would be starters on any other team, but add a lot of depth to our team next year."