Golf: Cougars finish 7th at State

The Class 4A state golf tournament was held Sept. 26-27 at the River Valley Ranch Golf Course in Carbondale. For Coach Ed Weaver, it was the ideal setting.

“It’s a great course, phenomenal,” Weaver said. “Mt. Sopris is right there in the background. It’s drop dead gorgeous!”

Weaver was similarly enthusiastic about his team’s seventh-place performance, if a little more subdued.

“Yes, I am happy with seventh at state,” he said, noting that his team had exceeded his expectations this season. “We lost six seniors from last year…”

Indeed, by finishing second at regionals, the Cougars accomplished their primary goal for 2016 — qualifying for state as a team.

“This isn’t my quote, but I’m going to reiterate it: ‘Any year you qualify a team for state, you had a great year.,’” Weaver stated.

Niwot finished the state tournament 56 strokes behind winner Discovery Canyon, and 30 behind Northern League champion Silver Creek (+26), which finished fourth overall.

Senior Max Keusel led the Cougars in individual scoring, with a 13-over par, which was good for 28th place. Senior Jake Butler (+15) tied for 30th, while sophomore Jack Hoover (+28) tied for 59th, and sophomore Andrew Elliot (+30) tied for 63rd. Silver Creek senior Jackson Solem, winner of this year’s Northern regional tournament, placed second overall to Discovery Canyon’s Luke Trujillo.

With the 2016 season in the books, Weaver says his team is planning to keep busy during the off season by participating in various events through the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado. Jake Butler will be competing at two national tournaments in December, then plans to continue his golf career in college. Max Keusel will also be pursing golf after graduation.

For Coach Weaver though, scores and tournament results aren’t the only way to measure a team’s success.

“I want them to be great golfers and great young men,” Weaver explained. “Golf gives you so many life lessons. I want to show them how they can use those.”

4A State Championship, River Valley Ranch Golf Course, Carbondale

Team Scores — Discovery Canyon, 438; Montrose, 453; Valor Christian, 457; Silver Creek, 458; Evergreen, 473; Palmer Ridge, 474; Niwot, 488; Golden, 488; Steamboat Springs, 499; Falcon, 499; Mullen, 504; Pueblo County, 507; Pueblo West, 527

Niwot Individuals — 28. Max -Kuesel (80-77), 157; t30. Jake Butler (78-81) 159; t59. Jack Hoover (85-87), 172; t63. Andrew Elliott (86-88), 174