News Summary

The Salida High School boys’ golf team kicked off their season at the Thunder Invitational in Lamar, finishing 8th with a score of 281. Despite a challenging start, coach Phil Gardunio expressed optimism about the team’s potential as they adapt to competition. Key players included Logan Rosales, Henry Sisneros, Ryus Mattix, and John Fast, each showcasing determination and skill on the greens. With more tournaments ahead, the team is eager to improve and grow together throughout the season.

Salida Swings into Action: Boys’ Golf Team Sets Out on Exciting Season

In the charming town of Salida, excitement filled the air as the Salida High School boys’ golf team kicked off their season at the Thunder Invitational on August 12 in Lamar. Although the team faced some challenges during their opening tournament, spirits remained high as they grasped the lessons that come with competing in a sport like golf.

A Challenging Start

The boys’ team found themselves in a tough position, finishing in eighth place out of a competitive field with a score of 281. With only five days to prepare for the tournament, Coach Phil Gardunio shared his thoughts on the team’s performance, noting it didn’t quite meet expectations. This early in the season, it was clear that the team was still adjusting—especially since a few members were just getting to grips with the rules of golf.

Out of the four golfers who made it to the tournament, three were stepping onto a varsity green for the very first time. Fresh perspectives and fresh challenges were the name of the game this season. While the nerves were evident, the lessons learned from this experience will surely shape their performance as the season progresses.

Player Progress Highlights

On the course, senior Logan Rosales showcased determination, navigating his second or third 18-hole round and scoring 110, which landed him in 46th place. Although the score may seem high for seasoned golfers, Coach Gardunio commended Rosales for his effort, emphasizing that every player must start somewhere.

Senior Henry Sisneros, on the other hand, put on a spectacular show as he aimed for greater heights. Scoring 87, Sisneros secured the 11th position, and his potential for scoring in the low 80s or even high 70s is something to watch out for in future tournaments. To cap off his round, Sisneros finished strong, playing his last few holes with exceptional skill, achieving a par-birdie-bogie-par finish—it was nothing short of impressive!

Meanwhile, junior Ryus Mattix fought his way to a 16th place finish with a score of 91. While Coach Gardunio felt that this wasn’t quite reflective of Mattix’s true talent, it’s important to remember that every player has their off days. Junior John Fast also put forth commendable effort, finishing 36th with a score of 103, demonstrating grit and commitment as he wrapped up his round.

The Road Ahead

The road ahead is packed for Salida’s young golfers! Just two days later, on August 14, the team took to the greens once more at the Cheyenne Shadows course in Colorado Springs, with results pending at the time of reporting. Additionally, they were set to compete in Alamosa on August 15.

In reflecting on the current landscape, Coach Gardunio highlighted an interesting observation—there are more tournaments than practices for this group of golfers, creating a compressed schedule that demands swift adaptation. Despite the early hurdles, he expressed optimism, believing that these burgeoning athletes will only improve with each round they play together, gaining experience while having fun along the way.

As the Salida High School boys’ golf team continues to navigate the thrills and challenges of the season, every swing and every score is a stepping stone toward better performance. With their spirits intact and determination shining brightly, this team is sure to make waves in the world of high school golf this year. Stay tuned, golf enthusiasts!

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