Noah Duprey

In his 15 years as Lake Region High School’s varsity golf coach, Art Kilborn has seen a handful of top flight players take their swings as Lakers.

Freshman Noah Duprey could be the next great Laker.

“This young man has a lot of talent. It’s pretty amazing,” Coach Kilborn said. “Of the top kids I’ve had, he is in that top four or five, and he’s just a freshman. Noah has a lot of potential.”

The coach marvels at the continued improvement Noah has shown on the scorecard, starting the season at 48 but slowly chipping away to reach 42 last week. Noah’s strong play has the Lakers featuring a dynamic duo in senior Ryan Walker, who returned to the school/program this fall and is the club’s top seed, and Duprey.

Yet, it may be Noah’s “presence” that has Coach Kilborn most impressed.

“He practices faithfully, and is always willing to help out the other kids,” Coach Kilborn said.

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Noah is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed T-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Name: Noah Duprey

Year in School: Freshman

Hometown: Casco

Parents: Matt and Alison Duprey

Sports you play: Golf, basketball, baseball

School organizations: Special Olympics coach

School honors: High honors, Outstanding Student Award, NELMS, Maine Scholar Leader Award

Why did you choose to play this sport? I chose golf because I started playing as a small kid with my grandfather and dad. When I was 10, I got a hole in one, and I think that kick started my love for the game of golf. I thought I could play and compete in school matches.

What is the most difficult part of the game? When making a mistake to keep emotions in check and move on to the next shot and not let it phase you.

What do you enjoy the most about the sport? The competition against myself to keep working to get better and the competition against other players to push me to keep working on my game.

What do you feel you need to work on and why? When I had a bad shot or bad putt, to stay calm and continue to the next shot. To stay focused and hit one shot at a time. Keep working on chipping and reading greens when putting.

Why is teamwork important? It is important because the better I play, the better the team does in our overall standings. Also, all of us have to help each other to be successful in what we do.

What is the biggest impact your coach(es) have had on you? He has supported us in golf matches and on practice days when we are playing great or when we are struggling.

How do you want people to view you as an athlete? I want people to view me as a hard worker, as a respectful person and someone who wants to be successful at his goals.

Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember most? I want to remember all the good memories that I made and that I worked as hard as I could to be the best I could be.