Diego Hernandez
With participation in tournaments such as Dominion and Landa Park, JV and Varsity have proved to be a strong force. During tournaments each player is singled out initially to compete against various school players. Each league are sets of different teams who battle for the top spots. Ultimately each player benefits and plays their part. Senior varsity player Logan Pullin stated that tournaments are not only fun but vigorous and intense.
“In a tournament we have 10 schools to play against, once we arrive we are split into groups of 3 never being with one of our teammates. At the end we combine our scores and enter them to the panel, the top 4 scores are considered the best. It’s very challenging, but a fun experience over all,” Pullin said.
Participants who come to events like these have a backstory or reason for this. Trying out for sports vary in the athletes reasoning, some may choose for a drive inside their hearts for the sport or to try something new to them. Sophomore varsity player Samantha Mendoza shared that she found both in trying out for golf.
“I started in 7th grade in middle school, because we had to try out for multiple sports, and ended up having a strong liking to it,” Mendoza said.
As tryouts come to a close a diverse league is made. Four teams consisting of each grade level into a boys and girls, at the end we combine our scores and enter them to the panel, the top 4 scores are considered the best. It’s very challenging, but a fun experience over all,” Pullin said.
Whether it be advanced or moderate, golf has proven to be a challenge to the mind and body. Playing requires patience and upto 8 hours spent on courses for tournaments. The season is long and trying as each player prepares for the sport.
“It starts when the school year starts, and ends when it ends, mainly though our big season is in the spring,” Mendoza said.
Though it is challenging, participants have been able to establish a strong connection or bond with playing. Many create a love-hate relationship as the season progresses, but some have drives/ interests that are the reason they choose to sign up. Senior varsity player Kali Derr shared that it was her father that furthered her interest in playing.
“My dad taught me how to play after freshman year in the summer, I found a fondness to it, he was the one who highly encouraged me to try out for the team,” Derr said.
Choosing an environment is an equal element to cultivate a players junior varsity and varsity. Some leading seniors in this group include Kali Derr, Edward Uriegas, and Abigail Jimenez. Pullin shared a more detailed list of his brothers.
“On varsity with me is; John Gonzales, Jack Boileau, Aiden Alvear, and Austin Noyes. They have all become life-long friends to me and I’m so happy I get a chance to compete with these guys,” Pullin said.
More common sports including basketball and volleyball require a court environment. Golf, however, experienced in driving ranges or field courses. Boys and girls are divided amongst the diverse courses of the San Antonio area, but ultimately come together in common ground in places such as Top Golf.
“JV boys and all girls train at Oak Valley, when we are with boys we can train at Cedar Creek, but a fun thing we get to do is go to Top Golf,” Derr said.
Golf is a highly underestimated and overlooked sport in the eyes of fans who focus on major leagues and their personal likings. Whether you’re just starting out or retiring from a professional team, golf has proven to create lifelong friends through experiences of the long tournaments and practice you spend together. These teams are aiming for a high rank in District and working to improve their golf game.
*Correction for photo courtesy of Mrs. Derr
