When thinking about dominant high school programs in the state the past 10 to 15 years, two jump to the forefront.
Cherry Creek tennis (boys and girls) and Regis boys swimming have maintained their dominance without missing a beat.
The ThunderRidge boys golf team should be added to that list. A special blend of talent, a little luck and an outstanding work ethic have catapulted the Grizzlies into the category of favorites year after year.
“The challenge lies with them; I’ve got the easy job,” said Grizzlies coach Jim McCord, who has his entire team back on its quest for a fifth consecutive team state title and fourth consecutive individual medalist. “I just have to make sure they stay focused on what it takes to do well.”
The precedent was set several seasons ago when state champions Derek Tolan and Ryan Husted watched their hard work in practice pay off with victories in the state’s deepest championship event.
“When Derek and Ryan came through, a lot of the younger guys got to see how it was done, and it’s still a work in progress,” reigning Class 5A champ- ion Riley Andrews said. “We saw what it took and learned that there is a difference between practicing just to hit balls and practicing with a purpose.”
Andrews, who won the state junior stroke play over the summer, returns as a senior to defend his title at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, and his closest two competitors might be teammates. Luke Symons fired a final-round 67 at last year’s state tournament to finish third, and Tyler Parsloe claimed the state junior match play this summer.
“It’s nice to have that extra push in practice each day,” Andrews said. “That competition goes a long way, and there is really not a lot of talk about winning again, but you can see it in everybody’s eyes.”
The Grizzlies are far and away the team to beat, but with a deep field capable of producing any number of state champions, picking a medalist is nearly impossible. Legacy’s Steve Ziegler and Regis’ Jamie Marshall, who led after the first round at state last season, are players to watch.
The Class 4A state tournament will be played at Wellshire Golf Course and will crown a new champion. Cheyenne Mountain’s Tom Glissmeyer ruled over 4A the past two seasons before graduating, but both players he beat in playoffs the past two seasons are back.
Mullen junior Jacob Erisman and Montrose senior Erik Lundberg, as well as 2004 third-place finisher Alex Kephart, a Liberty senior, should be in contention.
Jon E. Yunt can be reached at 303-820-5446 or jyunt@denverpost.com.
