Junior McCoy Miller has been the No. 1 player for the Ankeny Centennial boys’ golf team this season. He has posted an average of 71.0 strokes through three meets.
Miller carded a 69 in a triangular meet at Terrace Hills on Aug. 15. He fired a 70 on Wednesday in another triangular meet at Otter Creek, where he led the Jaguars to a five-stroke win over Ankeny for their first CIML Conference victory.
Here is some inside info on Miller:
How is the season going thus far?
I think this season is going great for us. I feel like we are playing some good golf through three events and hopefully we can keep it going all season.
What has been the highlight for you?
I think the highlight of my season so far was when I shot 69 at Terrace Hills at our first tournament. It was a really positive way to start the season.
Do you feel like your team is making good progress?
I feel like our team is making a lot of progress. I feel like qualifying for state last year really gave us some momentum heading into this season, and we are just trying to build on that each day.
How did it feel to beat Ankeny after losing to the Hawks in the Jesse Peck Invitational on Aug. 19 at Briarwood?
They are a really good team so it felt great to beat them on their home course, especially after they beat us on our home course.
You’ve established yourself as the team’s No. 1 player. Do you feel any pressure in that role, or do you like the pressure?
I feel a little pressure, but I think that is just the game of golf. I am just glad to be playing pretty well and trying to help the team in any way I can.
What do you think is the strongest part of your game right now?
I think that the strongest part of my game right now is my approach shots. It makes the game a lot easier if you can consistently hit greens and limit the chances of making a big number.
To what do you attribute your improvement from last year, when you played in seven varsity meets but were not on the varsity at the end of the season?
I gained confidence over the summer by putting in a lot of practice and came into this season with something to prove.
Your team has suffered two close losses to Valley, the defending Class 4A state champion. Do you think the Tigers are the team to beat again this season?
Yes. They are the defending champs and until someone beats them, then they are the team to beat.
Briarwood will host the state meet on Oct. 11-12. If your team can qualify for state, how big of an advantage will that be for your squad?
It is always nice to play on your home course, but it’s hard to say we gain any type of advantage. We have to qualify first, so that is our main focus right now. Knowing we can play on our home course gives us extra motivation to qualify.
Would you like to play golf in college?
I would love to play college golf and hopefully I can keep improving and get that opportunity.
Do you know what you want to study?
I would like to study something in either business or having to do with golf.
