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James Heatherington chosen as April Boys Athlete of the Month

James+Heatherington+chosen+as+April+Boys+Athlete+of+the+Month

Varsity golf player James Heatherington ‘18 was chosen as the April Boys Athlete of the Month.

Heatherington is a four year varsity golfer and has been playing golf for roughly six to seven years. He was inspired to join the sport after watching his parents.

“Both my parents played, so then I’d just go out and have fun and drive the cart, so I just started there,” said Heatherington.

Heatherington and teammate Noah Hollander ‘18 are the only seniors on the 2018 WHS boys golf team. In April, at the second Marmonte League Tournament at par-72 Olivas Links, Heatherington shot a 75 and Hollander shot an 81, contributing to a total score of 405. Although that placed 5th in the competitive Marmonte League, they petitioned in order to advance to the next stage of competition, CIF.

According to Hollander, both team members motivated each other to perform their best at the tournament.

“We always go in with a positive attitude,” said Heatherington. “We try and play every match as a big match. We … put more practice, more time into Marmonte than into a practice round, and tried to keep more focus.”

Heatherington’s good work ethic and optimistic attitude are admired by other team members.

“He’s always looking in the right direction,” said Hollander. “He never has a negative [attitude].”

On May 15, Heatherington led WHS to finish third at the CIF Northern Team Division Championship at the Santa Anita Golf course, shooting a 61. Arcadia High School finished first and West Hills High School finished second.

According to WHS boys golf Head Coach Rick Naranjo, Heatherington had a 73.1 scoring average to help lead the team to many victories, and has had six rounds in the 60s this year.

While Heatherington does not plan on playing golf competitively in college, he will continue the sport leisurely.

“I love golf, I enjoy playing just with no competition. It’s also really fun because there’s no pressure, it’s just stress free,” said Heatherington. “I’ll probably just go out with no expectations [and] mostly just enjoy myself.”

Heatherington balances athletics with academics and has a 4.0 GPA. While his college plans are still undecided, he would like to attend college in Europe.

“I want to go and attend… a four-year university and get a degree from there, possibly a Masters,” said Heatherington. “Same mindset as golf, just strive for the best.”

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James Heatherington chosen as April Boys Athlete of the Month