As the varsity boys have taken their last swing of the season, they have finished with determination, confidence, talent and teamwork. The boys worked hard and ended with a sense of accomplishment.
The varsity team officially concluded their season with districts on Monday, October 6. The team competed at Pine Hills golf course with a final score of 310 placing 8th overall. To qualify for the State Tournament the team would have to shoot 10 better overall.
The 5 boys making up the varsity team that competed at the district tournament consisted of seniors Leo Carey, Mikey Sejba, Preston Keishnik, Tyler Pickard and junior Luke Kasmarcak, and coached by Greg Roderick.
This year the boys wanted to make states as a team. Carey says, “I thought we would make it as a team this year, but in order to achieve that, we had to break the school record by 2.” Carey made it to states last year individually, but unfortunately, the team ended just short of the state tournament this year.
They put up a good fight against some tough teams in the district, consisting of St. Ignatius, who won the whole match, Green, Hoban, and University School.
There were many highs and lows of the season this year. Many of the boys had individual goals for themselves, if that meant getting a new best average or even just playing on varsity, the boys worked hard to do so. They learned from their mistakes each match or tournament and worked hard to improve their game.
The boys had a few other goals this season and were well accomplished. The team went undefeated in matches going 9-0, as well as winning the Suburban Conference. The Suburban League recognizes Pickard for placing 4th overall in the conference.
Some say golf is a very tedious sport. Golf is not only a physical sport, but having a strong mental capacity is definitely a factor in the game. When it’s time for the team to play in a tournament, they all need to have their head in the right space to play well. Kieschnick states, “Golf is more of a mental sport because there is a lot of mental adversity and your body doesn’t get worn out as much as your mind.”
There are days when some players are having better days than others. The boys reflect on their teammates and try to use the outcome of each day to improve their own skill. Pickard says, “ We have to do our own part when things aren’t going well to stick with it and help the [other boys on the] team as much as possible.” Not everyone will have a perfect day on the team, but they don’t let it ruin the challenges ahead of them.
Coaches play an important aspect in keeping the team in line and looking forward to each new challenge they have to face. “Coaches bring positive energy and always keep jokes coming so the mood is high and that definitely helps with the swing and putting stroke,” says Carey. With more positive minds on the green, it benefits everyone as a whole.
Even when the team has days off or weekends off, many of them are still playing. Many players say they get ready for the season by going to courses over the summer and playing in scrambles or just going to the driving range. Some favorite courses are Pine Hills, Windmill lakes, Goodpark, Sleepy Hollow and Seneca.
Coach Roderick has been coaching boys golf for about 10 years. He’s been with the senior boys now for all four years of their high school golf career. He’s seen the boys from the start, growing and getting better each year. Coach Roderick says, “I try to keep the team positive; I think it’s one of the main things they need.” Coach Roderick is here for the team and very proud of everything they’ve accomplished this past season.
Another important aspect the team has is the majority of the players. Carey states, “Chemistry is very important within the team. We all have to be in the same headspace if we want to win and all play the best when we’re getting along better.” A big take away from golf is definitely having a good mindset, working hard and well with others.
The team had an excellent year and should be proud of what they accomplished.
