Sure, boys golf is an individual sport, and in Colorado it has by far the deepest talent pool of any sport in the state. But on this level, the individual accolades come second to winning a state title for your high school team.
The first of the fall’s state championships begins today at three sites — Aurora (Valley Country Club, 5A), Colorado Springs (Flying Horse Golf Course, 4A) and Eaton (Eaton Country Club, 3A) — all of which figure to go down to the wire, both individually and in the team races.
“I would gladly give up the title to win a team title,” said defending Class 5A champion Caleb Barker, whose Highlands Ranch team is one of many contenders. “It would mean a ton to the school.”
Take your pick of teams in Class 5A, starting with Highlands Ranch. The Falcons, coached by Caleb’s father, James, boast the depth of Blake Basham, Ryan Pettigrew and Connor Klein.
Suburb rival Rock Canyon, up from 4A this season, will have the joy of playing along side the Falcons on the first day. Brendon Connolly has been a star for the Jaguars all season.
Other teams to play heavily into the mix include Regis Jesuit (Tyler Engel), Cherry Creek (Sean Robbins) and Mountain Range (Brandon Gayeski), which finished third last season.
In Class 4A, it would seem as simple as Wyndham Clark and the Valor Christian Eagles. Last season, Clark, whose coach Jason Preeo qualified for the U.S. Open this summer, battled Montrose’s Drew Trujillo on the back nine at Highlands Ranch Country Club before winning by two shots.
Clark is the obvious favorite to repeat as medalist, and his team is going to be tough to beat, but the list of likely challengers is lengthy. Montrose and Montezuma-Cortez dueled all September, trading tournament victories before the Panthers eventually won the regional title on Montrose’s home course. Look for Silver Creek, Broomfield, Pueblo West and Palmer Ridge to close the gap on Valor Christian.
Class 3A has been all about Kent Denver since its inception two years ago. The Sun Devils are again the team to beat, but the list of challengers has quickly grown over the years.
Eaton’s Reds are playing on their home course. Home-course advantage helped Trinidad last season to a second-place finish at the state meet, and the Miners, under longtime coach Mike Vecchio, won their regional title relatively easily.
Add Aspen and Alexander Dawson to the mix and you have all the makings of a thrilling Tuesday finish.
Defending champion Peter Hassan of Alexander Dawson, who made it to last year’s state tournament after qualifying in a regional playoff, will have to deal with St. Mary’s Andrew Cornella, who has twice finished second.
Jon E. Yunt: 303-954-1354 or jyunt@denverpost.com
