Central’s Doerr to play golf at WLU
WHEELING — As a young kid, Justin Doerr used to tag along with his father on a few golf outings, but he wasn’t truly serious about the game.
Then, however, his freshman season at Wheeling Central rolled around and he decided to go out for the team.
An individual state and OVAC championship later and several team championships, including the 2022 West Virginia Class A state title, Doerr has become a little bit more serious and passionate about the game.
So much so, that he recently signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his golf and academic careers at West Liberty University in the Fall of 2023.
“When I used to play with my dad, I really enjoyed it and did decently, but I really didn’t play a lot of tournaments or anything,” Doerr said. “It was my freshman year when I decided to really start working at it.”
The work has paid off, but Doerr also realizes that in the same sense, the work is just beginning as he prepares for what lies ahead at the Division II level.
“I try to play once or twice a day and I spend a lot more time practicing and not just playing rounds,” Doerr said. “I’ve really spent a lot of time with my chipping and putting and it showed a big difference in my scores this past season.”
Doerr was absolutely brilliant this season for the Maroon Knights. He finished with an 18-hole average of 72.2. He used a strong second round to win the state championship. He was All-OVAC and won the regional title, too. He was the Co-Captain of the All-Valley team.
“My high school career was the best four years of my life,” Doerr said. “It was just awesome to be able to play with these guys (at Central) and have the success we did as a team. I’m definitely going to miss it.”
As for going to West Liberty, Doerr was impressed with everything about the school and Thadd Obecny’s program.
“I am just excited to get up there and play,” Doerr said. “I liked the school and the program. There are a lot of really good people and players on the team. Plus, being closer to home is nice, too.”
As for where he slots into the Hilltoppers lineup is obviously to be determined.
“Wherever they need me,” Doerr said. “I am going to keep working at it, getting stronger and trying to be more consistent. I just want to try to be at my best in all phases.”
Justin, who plans to major in financial planning, is the son of Joe and Danielle Doerr.