I had the pleasure of taking 3 senior boys to the state sectional golf tournament today in Marshfield. The outcome was not what we had hoped for, but the boys did the best they could do!
The day started off a little chilly and a light mist falling.....hmmm...we should've expected that....it's been doing it all spring! As the day went on, the weather started to break and it actually warmed up, but by then, most of the golfers had finished their round for the day!
When my 3 senior golfers brought their scorecards in, I knew they had to shoot a good score in order to make it to state. I was one of the coaches keeping track of the scores and I knew the cut line was going to be around the low 80's. First to hand in his card was Jake Shockley. I looked at his card and saw he had an 85. Next was Jack Mueller and he turned in an 87. Lastly, Levi (who just started playing this year), came in with a 112. I knew their senior season was over. Was I a little down....yes I was! But for good reason. I knew that was the last meet that I would be able to coach those boys. Also, it was their last opportunity to make it to the state golf tournament. I was proud of the boys ( not just those 3, but the whole team) all year. We took second in a few tournaments. Some of them placed in the top 10 and received medals and one golfer, Jake, was honored by the four rivers coaches with an honorable mention all conference award.
As I look back...it was a good season.....again....we'd still like to be moving on to the state tournament, but we can't hang our heads. Each player did what I asked each and every practice. They went out and practiced on their own time to get better AND they all endured one of the most miserable Springs we've had in a long time. I'm going to miss this years seniors:
Jake Shockley....he played 2 years for me.....he would've played longer but had injuries to his shoulders his Sophomore and Junior years.
Jack Mueller.....he played 3 years for me....he missed going to state his Sophomore year by a few strokes as well as his Senior year.
Chris Stull.....he played 4 years for me.....he missed getting out of districts by one stroke....but improved each and every year since his freshmen season.
Levi Auxier.....oh I wander what he could've done if he would have played all 4 years....but he still had success by getting out of districts and having the opportunity to play in the sectional tournament.
To the Seniors....thanks for your hard work and leadership! Good Luck in whatever path you choose in life.
To my underclassman.....it takes the extra time on the course to get better.....as the saying goes....players are made in the off season....not during the season....so get out to the course and practice a little this Summer and Fall.
Until Spring of 2014........