Boys' golf athlete of the year: Cam Harrell, Air Academy

Cam Harrell flashed his potential as a sophomore, tying for fifth in the Class 5A state tournament. But not even he anticipated the sensational season that came a year later.

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The Air Academy junior started quickly, stayed consistent and won the Metro League title this fall by 12 strokes over Ben Krueger, a Pine Creek senior.

“It’s probably more than I expected,” said Harrell, who won two Metro events and finished runner-up twice. “I knew with the talent in the city, it’d be hard. Before the season, I sure didn’t think I could win by such a big margin.”

Harrell shot 77-76 — disappointing for him — to tie for ninth at the 5A state tournament but followed that with a three-stroke victory in a Future Collegians World Tour event.

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“Cam had a terrific season,” coach Wayne Marshall said. “He wins Metro, has four rounds in the 60s and just kept a very steady pace all season.

“He’s as good as it gets around here.”

Harrell’s low round was 66, quite impressive considering he’d never shot below par before this season.

“He’s got a great short game and is a hell of a putter,” Marshall said. “He’s a good player under pressure, too. If he starts with a double (bogey), he doesn’t panic because he knows he’ll get it back.”

Marshall figures his top Kadet will improve next season.

“He’s such a hard worker,” Marshall said. “I’d bet the farm on him that he could repeat next year.”

Harrell, who also plays hockey for Air Academy, isn’t satisfied with his game.

“I need to get stronger,” he said. “I don’t hit the ball very far.”

But it’s clear he’s more suited for the greens than the ice.

“Back in the day, when I played club hockey, I was pretty good,” he said. “Then golf took over.”