[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he boys’ golf team captured a first place finish at their season finale match at the Old Hawthorne Country Club April 25. The team ended with an overall score of 297, triumphing over the other three high schools of Jefferson City (333), Battle (376) and Hickman (383.)
Senior Hudson Dubinski finished his final regular season match with a score of 72, finishing as the first place individual medalist. For Dubinski, it was a great way to end his regular season golf career.
“I played solid overall [and] was happy with the way I struck the ball from [the] tee to green,” Dubinski said. “But, I didn’t think I scored that well. I [missed] a lot of putts and made a few uncharacteristic mistakes.”
While Dubinski was not happy with his putting game, he felt pleased with the way he performed in the other aspects of his game. Overall, Dubinski plans to make a few minor adjustments in preparation of the playoff matches.
“I thought I drove the ball great [Wednesday],” Dubinski said. “[However], my iron play was not great, [so] I need to [improve] to make sure I am ready for districts.”
Head coach Austin Reed, who met Dubinski before he started coaching the team in 2016, says he could talk all day about Dubinski and the amazing things he has accomplished for the team.
“I don’t know what I’d do without him on the team,” Reed said. “He has meant the world to me, and I was glad to know [him] when I took over. His trust and respect for me as a coach has meant the world.”
Reed recounts many memories of Dubinski playing very well in matches, while remaining calm and working hard throughout the entirety of his rounds. Another member of the team who has been playing with much poise throughout the season is the young freshman Sean Minor. Minor, who broke onto the scene this season, shot a 75 Wednesday.
[quote]“[Dubinski] has meant the world to me, and I was glad to know [him] when I took over. His trust and respect for me as a coach has meant the world,” Reed said. [/quote] “I played well [and] hit the ball well off the tee,” Minor said. “[It was great] coming off only hitting six fairways to hitting all but two fairways.”
Minor hopes to carry his strong driving to the district championship match on Sunday April 29. Along with great drives, he also plans to work on his putting and iron play a little bit more to be in prime condition to shoot low on Sunday.
“I’d like to play well [on Sunday], maybe go under par,” Minor said. “I’d love for the team to win out and take the state title. That is definitely the goal right now.”
As the season starts coming to a close with the start of the playoffs, Reed holds high hopes for next season too.
“There will be some real opportunities for [the] younger guys next year to step up and be major players on our team,” Reed said. “I’m really banking on Ryan [Choe], Jack [Jenne] and Jackson [Orr] to continue playing well and hopefully [cracking] varsity [spots]. They are all veterans now and we will need them next year.”