Men's City golf, then football for West Lafayette assistant Fry

Monday morning, defensive coordinator Shane Fry will begin teaching the West Lafayette football system during double-session practices.

But before the elementary school teacher jumps into football’s Xs and Os, he will attempt to win the Men’s City golf Championship Flight’s match play title. The No. 21 seed, Fry, 33, has featured a strong short game to knock off Tim Adams, Austin Bailey and Adam Zimmerman.

The former West Lafayette boys golf coach, who guided the Red Devils to the 2012 state finals, is playing in the Men’s City for the third time. Until this year, he never had won a match in this event.

Now, Fry will tangle with Jacob Yocum, the reigning champion and the No. 1 seed. If Fry upsets Yocum, he will play either 2010 champion and No. 6 seed Craig Hutchinson or 2009 champ and No. 2 seed Brent Hofman.

“No doubt about it, I’m the clear underdog,” Fry said. “I’m just happy to still be playing. I’m going to see if I can make it past hole 13 or 14, which is all the further Jacob’s past three opponents have taken him.”

If he falls to Yocum, Fry will have a day to rest before high school football season.

“This definitely is the end of my golf seasons,” Fry said. “I love the format of the Men’s City. I had no idea how long I would be playing. I didn’t anticipate that I would be playing another weekend, but I’m glad I am.

“I’ve had almost a week now to fine-tune my game. Maybe I can actually get the ball on the club face. I’ve been off, but I haven’t been finding really bad trouble. I haven’t been hitting it well and missing fairways. I’ve been landing someplace where I can at least hit it.”

Yocum, who also is the 2012 Men’s City medalist with a 72-65—137 in stroke play qualifying, said it’s a very solid Final Four.

“We’re all familiar faces out here,” Yocum said. “Each of us has the competitive spirit. I’m happy for anyone who is still out here playing well. It’s going to be fun to see how it goes.”

Hofman said fans should enjoy this talented foursome.

“You have the last three Men’s City champions, so it will be fun,” Hofman said. “And I will be rested. It took me two days to get over last weekend. I was exhausted”