Boys golf: Newport returns loaded

Joseph Boo

NEWPORT BEACH - There’s an air of confidence about to breeze onto

area golf courses in a few weeks, and it’s not from Tiger Woods hitting

Riviera for the Nissan Open. Instead, confidence is exuding from Newport

Harbor High, which is fielding its most talented team since, well, ever.

“This is the best team in Newport history,” Tars Coach Jim Warren said.

That’s what happens when a team fields eight quality golfers, four from

last year’s Sea View League runner-up. Included are American Junior Golf

Association players, senior Kevin Olson, sophomore Dan Kush, and transfer

Jake Allenach.

Olson is a three-year varsity letterman and was second-team All-Sea View

League last year. As a freshman, Kush also made second-team all-league

and finished seventh at league finals.

But it is Allenach, a senior from Oregon, whom Warren considers his best

talent.

“He’s the real deal” Warren said. “He hits real long and his iron play is

excellent.”

And lets not forget senior Mitch Johns, a four-year varsity letterman who

is yet another second-team all-league returner.

Adding to the team depth is the return of senior Traighe Concannon. A

varsity letterman as a freshman and sophomore, he missed all of 1999 with

a wrist injury.

“He’s playing real well, but he’s still going through rehab,” Warren

said.

Junior Miller Akins is another Sailor recovering from surgery. When he

returns, he will bring two years worth of varsity experience.

Another two-year varsity performer is senior Scott Tippett, the team’s

longest driver. According to Warren, he is capable of hitting 350-yard

drives.

Senior Pete Watson is the only team member getting his first taste of

varsity competition. But you can’t question his commitment. He gave up

varsity soccer to concentrate on golf.

Newport’s unparalleled depth makes it one of the favorites, if not the

favorite of the perennially tough Sea View League. As always, Woodbridge

and Irvine will be extremely tough.

“A lot of good thing that can happen for us, hopefully,” Warren said. “We

play a lot of tough competition, so it’ll be interesting.”

Roster

Jake Allenach Sr.

Traighe Concannon Sr.

Mitch Johns Sr.

Kevin Olson Sr.

Scott Tippett Sr.

Pete Watson Sr.

Miller Akins Jr.

Dan Kush So.