That may not sound like a story line, but for those hoping to crack one of the best performances in Allan B. Rogers Memorial Golf Tournament history, it's going to make their job that much tougher.

There was a time not too long ago when the 30-year-old Roderick might spend several hours celebrating what might happen.

"That's not me any more," said Roderick, a Haverhill Country Club member who lives in North Andover. "I'm going to enjoy this with my family. I'm going to take it easy. And then go after it tomorrow."

The it Roderick is going after today at Andover Country Club, site of fourth and final round of the area's top amateur golf tournament, is the record. After a 1-under 69 yesterday, coupled with his 3-under 69 at Indian Ridge Country Club and 2-under 70 at Atkinson Country Club the previous two days, he is currently tied with Rogers Golf tourney's all-time best at 6-under.

This is new turf for Roderick, who is seven shots ahead of Indian Ridge's David Shaffer (69-72-74 - 215). While one of the better amateurs in the area - he did try going professional for two years before regaining his amateur status - he has never been a true contender, which means the final group on the final day.

But like his intended quiet evening last night, he is not the same golfer whose best finish was a seventh place as 23-year-old in 1999.

"I'm just more mature," he said. "It comes with age. It comes with having a family and having different priorities. My game is better than it's ever been because of my head. I may have had the game a few years ago (physically), but I didn't have it between the ears."

Roderick's round yesterday epitomized his newfound outlook. Playing at his home course, where some might have expected him to go after a 64 or 65, which he has done before, he played like a tournament leader.

He finished with three birdies, two bogeys and a boatload of pars.

"I played conservatively," he said. "I was patient. I played it in the middle of most of the greens, but on a few I went for the flags when the opportunity was there. I want to win this."

Roderick is being chased by Shaffer, a Rogers Golf champ in 1998, and long-time contender Colin Ahern (70-74-74-218), also Indian Ridge, who is 10 behind. Billy Drohen (73-77-69-219), probably the most accomplished amateur in the region over the last three years, is 11 back, tied with Tim Acquaviva (72-71-76-219), of Renaissance.

But the chasers know pretty much are in agreement that Roderick is a on a role of record proportions.

"I'm rooting for Shawn," admitted Drohen, who has ranked among the top five amateurs in the state over the last five years. "I played with him the first two rounds. I love his swing. He has great tempo. It's not always easy playing with a big lead, with the pressure that comes with it, but his swing will hold up.

"He drives the ball down the middle all the time. He hits it about 300 yards," said Drohen, of Bradford Country Club. "He has great iron play. And he putts well. That pretty much is everything."

If Roderick does as expected, it could be an interesting race for second place, with Ryan Sillery, formerly of Windham, N.H. and now living in South Boston. After rounds of 76 and 74 he had the day's best score of 68 yesterday.

The last group tees off at 2 p.m.

Who is Michael Hunter?

For those following the Rogers Golf scene the last decade, there is a name on the leaderboard (tied for 21st) that hasn't been there before - Michael Hunter.

Who is he?

He resides in Andover. He's married to his Merrimack College sweetheart, Susan. He's a father of two boys, Jon (an Andover High freshman) and Jimmy (a sixth grader).

And he's playing the best golf of his life.

After shooting 78 the first two rounds, he shot an impressive 75 yesterday, moving him way up the leaderboard.

"I took up the game shortly after I was married, when I was 25," said Hunter.

About seven years ago he joined Indian Ridge and got his handicap into single digits. After years of coaching his sons in basketball and baseball, this summer focused a little more on his golf game.

And presto, he's shown the last three days that he may be someone to watch.

"I'm not surprised so much as I'm pleased," said Hunter, a Rogers Golf rookie. "My immediate goal was to make the cut. Then (yesterday) it was to have some fun and see how well I could do."

Hunter works for Turner Construction, where he is currently the superintendent on the construction of a three-level garage.

As for playing the best golf of his life in his mid-40s, Hunter laughs.

"Golf if my vice," he said. "I love it. I can't tell you how much fun I'm having."

His wife, Sue, will caddy for him today at Andover Country Club.

Drohen looking forward to rest

Billy Drohen admits he is looking forward to tonight at around 7 p.m.

That will be about the time his group, the second to last one, will finish its round. It coincides with the end of his golf season.

"I'm very tired and worn out," said Drohen, who is a math teacher at Greater Lawrence Regional. "I'm looking forward to getting away from the game for a while and relaxing. I'm really looking forward to going back to school."

Drohen has consistently been among the top amateurs in the state the last few years, including two top four finishes in the Massachusetts Amateur, as well as being a contender in the Mass. Open, the Francis Ouimet Tournament, the Mass Publinx and the State Four-Ball, among others.

There was a time two years ago when he considered turning professional, but he realizes he doesn't have the stamina to play golf as much as top professionals do.

"I don't know how the pros do it," he said. "I need a break some times. And you can't really do that as a professional. I like the way I do it. I love teaching. Greater Lawrence (Regional) is a great place to work. After the winter, I look forward to playing and practicing."

Rogers Golf loses ambassador

Area golf and specifically Rogers Golf has lost one of its greatest ambassadors. Long-time Crystal Springs Golf Club owner George Gelt passed last night at his Haverhill residence at the age of 89.

Gelt was one of the first recipients of the Irving Rogers Award for his service to the tournament, always offering his course and amenities when the tournament became the "Masters of the Merrimack Valley" more than two decades ago.

Gelt was famous for playing more than 300 rounds of golf a year at Crystal Spring, always bringing along his horde or German Shepards, who walked along his famed golf cart.

He will be missed by many golfers in this region.

Arrangements will be handled by H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home in Haverhill and Bradford.