Johnston ‘Teed Up’ for a Successful Senior Season

Jascha Johnston thrived on varsity right off the bat, starting out as a freshman 3 years ago. Amidst his 4 year tenure as a Blue Hawk, he won the individual state championship in 2021, shooting an impressive even par at Beaver Meadow, located in Concord. Despite it being his final year of golf, Jascha is relaxed, saying, “It doesn’t up the pressure for this coming season for me, but it's more of enjoying the opportunity I have had for the past 4 years.” His confidence is unmatched, knowing his team will push forward to victory. His incredible driver power, paired with his surgical short game, allows him to fly through courses with ease. The varsity captain opened his season by shooting just +1 at his home course, Exeter Country Club. With the help of his team, the Blue Hawks swept Londonderry, Bishop Guertin, and Salem. When asked what sets Exeter apart from other schools, Johnston said, “Some schools only practice once or twice a week, but we get to practice 4 times a week, which gives us an advantage as teammates because we know each other better, and interact with each other better.” When asked what it means to be a captain, Johnston said being a captain means, “taking initiative, responsibility, and most importantly being a good leader.” Being the young freshman on the varsity team back in 2021, he still caught the attention of upperclassmen due to his raw talent on the course. But, “they also look to him now because of the example he sets, and because of how hard he works,” said longtime Exeter golf coach, Kevin McQueen. Johnston begins to get the ball rolling, for his final season with Exeter Golf. 

Here’s Why the Exeter High School Golf Team Believes it Can Contend for a State Title

In the opening first 4 matches of the season, Exeter had accomplished an 8-2 record, losing by just a few strokes to Bedford and Dover. Along with Johnston, senior captain Brady Smith, currently playing his third year of varsity golf, looks to make the most out of his last season on the team. Seniors Jack Rackliffe, Jack Harrington, Connor Jaworski, and West Valliant hold strong potential looking to play a big role in this year's season. Junior Burke Degen, beginning his varsity career, has already proved his potential with a +4 in the second match of the season, at Concord Country Club. Notable sophomore Nolan Engler, as well as junior Matt Foote, also contributed greatly to the team's success. “There is a high level of mutual respect between all the players,” said Coach McQueen. Exeter started off hot, picking up 7 wins and just one loss to the Green Wave, through the first 3 matches. From there, Exeter endured through the challenges of some tough courses and opponents, grinding out 4 wins, and accumulating 3 losses; bringing a mid-season record of 11-4. After a heartbreaking loss against Pinkerton by just one stroke, Exeter went 1-1 in a crucial match at Hoodkroft Country Club. In a pivotal match on October 1st, Exeter swept all 3 opponents, picking up 3 humongous wins. Exeter finds themselves towards the end of their schedule, currently standing at 15-5, which puts them in 5th place in Division I. As the Exeter boys start to wrap up their season, they remain dialed in for the biggest venue of the year: the DI State Tournament on October 15th at Canterbury Woods Country Club in Canterbury.