It was a hot, sunny day on Monday, April 29; it was also a day in which the RBHS boys golfers were out in a Greene Hills Country Club in Willard, Mo., looking to gain a team position in the sectional tournament.
After hours of tension, sophomore Matt Echelmier was able to put in an easy putt to finish out with medalist honors, or first place among 49 individuals.
On an 18-hole, par 70 course, Echelmier led the team with a final score of a two-over-par 72. Sophomore Jack Knoesel was not far behind and took second with a 74, followed by junior Jackson Dubinski in tenth with an 81. Sophomore Sam Harrison was next with 84 and sophomore Ben Humphreys followed closely with 86.
Echelmier, Knoesel and Dubinski also gained All-District honors.
Finishing with a team score of 311, 19 strokes ahead of Rolla High School in second place, the Bruins advanced over many competitors such as Jefferson City High School with a team score of 337 and Hickman with a 348. Now holding the top spot going into sectionals, the Bruins are preparing for the upcoming tournament at Eagle Knoll golf course in Ashland, looking to make another run to the state tournament. Winning the district tournament is a huge confidence booster, said Echelmier, which gives the players and coaches time to relax and prepare for sectionals, Monday, May 6.
“With sectionals coming up next week, we will play a practice round the weekend before, which is at Eagle Knoll in Ashland,” Echelmier said.
The golfers are going to practice on their own, too. Echelmier said they need to use the momentum gained from districts to their advantage, not letting their enthusiasm die out. The end of the year and season being within reach, every golfer must push more now than ever to come out on top, he said.
With the state championship tournament approaching just less than two weeks away on May 13 and 14, focus and determination are essential to their success and a trip to the final tournament.
“The rest of the practice is on our own,” Echelmier said. “Which makes sure we stay dedicated, even while we are only by ourselves.”
By Harsh Singh
