A leadership role was lost; John Pokorny is here to fill it

SEATTLE- John Pokorny had the bar set high for him in his first 2 years on the golf team. An impact an upperclassmen can make is significant. It's now his turn to fill it.

“I think if I'm able to set that bar of, hey, this is how you want to be playing. Hey, this is how you want to treat others and yourself both on and off the course. That’d be great,” Pokorny said.

This year, many golfers were eager to fill those shoes of a leader after both golf captains graduated and the team lost three key seniors. The team needed a leader and junior Pokorny was ready to fill the shoes.

2024 graduate Carter Gribble made a significant impact on John, He showed him how O’Dea golf is supposed to be played. He laid down the roots for how you're supposed to play like the seniors before him.

“Carter showed a maturity of what you want to strive to be on the golf team.  He also performed at a level that set a bar for performance," Pokorny said.

 Other than John Pokorny there are other leaders on the golf team. Senior Patrick Mahar came to his mind first.

“Paddy Mahar sets a very high bar with how he plays and how he swings. Everyone can tell that he has put a ton of time into the game.”

Additionally, Pokorny mentioned senior Matthew Livingston on his role this year.

“Matthew Livingston is great. You know, he's mature and he's able to handle himself well in all situations. I think just kids like add a lot to the team.”

Pokorny has a reputation around campus for being a leader. Pokorny is a mentor group captain in the house system, an ambassador for admissions, and is a role model for students at O'Dea.

It's no shock that he would model his game after world-class golfer Jordan Spieth. Spieth is not only good at golf but a better person, just like Pokorny.

“He handles himself well on and off the course. So, I just find someone like him, someone that I kind of look up to model," Pokorny said.

The golf team is off to a 6-0 hope to ride the momentum. They take on rival Eastside Catholic next on 10/2/24 @ 3 pm.

 Talan Scott

ISN (Irish Sports Network)