As the sun sets on another summer, the Summit High boys golf team is gearing up for a season that promises to be both exhilarating and challenging. With the new school year just around the corner, the team has already hit the ground running, hosting tryouts and preparing for their first tournament in Denver.
Head coach Zach Dobrota is optimistic about the team's prospects, especially with the seasoned seniors leading the charge. Among them are Parker Gray, a returning state qualifier, and Hunter Plummer, who narrowly missed the cut last year. Both are eyeing a spot at the next level, along with Sawyer Coffman, who is determined to secure his place at the state tournament.
What makes this team particularly fascinating is the depth of talent across all grade levels. Dobrota highlights the potential of Jack Tobias, Jagger and Jaxx Roberts, and Fisher Woodard, all of whom have a strong chance of peaking at the right time. This creates a highly competitive environment, where every tournament will see a different roster, and every golfer will have to bring their A-game to secure a spot.
One of the key challenges for the Tigers this season will be facing the formidable Front Range opponents. With more golfing facilities and longer seasons, the eastern half of the state boasts some of the strongest golfers and teams. Dobrota acknowledges the unique advantages the Front Range offers, from proximity to courses to year-round practice. One such tournament, hosted at the Eisenhower Golf Club in Colorado Springs, will test the Tigers' mettle with its notoriously tough greens.
However, the team also has some tough events closer to home. The Collindale Golf Course in Fort Collins, a regular host of U.S. Open qualifiers, will be a formidable test. Additionally, the Tigers will defend their title at their home tournament in Keystone, which they won last year. Dobrota is confident in his team's ability to rise to the occasion, especially with a stacked field for the home event on September 10.
Despite the competitive nature of the season, Dobrota emphasizes the importance of keeping things fun. While he has high expectations for the team, his ultimate goal is for the golfers to enjoy the game and not be too hard on themselves. It's a delicate balance between mental toughness and maintaining a positive mindset, especially when facing internal competition and the strong opposition from other high schools.
In my opinion, this season will be a true test of the Tigers' character and skill. With a talented and closely-matched team, every golfer will have to bring their A-game to the course. It's a fascinating dynamic, and I can't wait to see how they navigate the challenges ahead. From my perspective, it's not just about the wins and losses, but the growth and enjoyment these young athletes experience along the way.
