NHS freshman golfer heads to State

It was a cool, dreary day on the golf course at Riverdale Knolls in Brighton last week. But a ray of light shone through the gray skies. Niwot High freshman Jackson Sessa qualified for State.

“I’m pretty happy. I was not originally thinking that I would qualify because I knew that our region was very tough, and because of the weather. I wasn’t sure I would be able to play my best,” Sessa said.

He shot a 79, putting him in a tie for 16th place at the regional 4A tournament.

“It was cold and I didn’t start off great but I was able to turn it around after a couple holes and be able to play how I usually play and be able to make some putts. That was probably my strong suit,” Sessa said.

“He did great. He’s a freshman and held it together,” coach Ed Weaver said. “He’s very coachable. I’m very bullish on that. He kept his focus, he didn’t let his emotions get carried away. He kept the high scores off his card. What kills you in high school golf are the triples and quads–bogies over par.”

Sessa finished with just two double bogies and a lot of pars. Weaver said that Sessa kept getting better as the season went on. “He doesn’t have a lot of tournament experience,” Weaver said. “I’m very proud of him.”

The rest of the Cougars struggled in the cold, wind and rain. Junior Emmett Shell had been Niwot’s top golfer all season. He ended up in a five-way playoff for one remaining spot, but wasn’t able to qualify.

Centaurus and Silver Creek teams qualified for State, along with 13 other golfers, including Sessa.

“It’s a pressure-packed event because you can be the best player in the league and shoot a high score at regionals and not go to State,” Weaver said. “I don’t mind the pressure-packed event in some ways, because it helps them grow. If they make it, they’ve really accomplished something.”

Twin Peaks Golf Course will host a JV event on Tuesday. After that, Weaver will focus on getting Sessa ready for his first state tournament Oct. 3 at Pelican Lakes Golf Course in Windsor.

There will be about 85 golfers at State. Sessa hopes to get into the top 40. “My goal is just to play good. If my putting is good, usually I can have a good round,” Sessa said. “I’m a little bit nervous, but I’m also excited. I want to stay calm and focused and still have fun.”