Future is bright for NHS golfer after competing at State

It was elite company for Niwot High golfer Jackson Sessa. He was one of only seven freshmen in the field of 84 at the 4A state golf tournament. The lone competitor for the Cougars never expected to qualify as a freshman.

"I had fun," Sessa said. "It was very cool and I just really enjoyed being there and it was a very good learning experience."

Sessa finished 74th in the two-day tournament at Pelican Lakes Golf Course in Windsor. "There's no substitute for playing in the state tournament, there's just nothing like it," coach Ed Weaver said. "I'm so proud of him for qualifying. I think he had a learning experience that will pay dividends for him in future years."

The first tee on each of the two days felt different than anything he had experienced before, Sessa said. He was pleased with how he managed the pressure on that initial hole both days. He finished with an 84 the first day and 94 the second. He said he couldn't get in a groove the second day and struggled to clear his mind.

Sessa says playing in the state tournament taught him valuable lessons that he can build on for the future. "Even if I have a bad hole, I have to clear my mind and move on to the next hole," he said.

He's also learning to appreciate what went right. "Be happy with the way I perform, even if it isn't my best, because I made it there," he reminded himself.

Now that he has had a taste of what is possible, Sessa said he plans to practice more than he typically does in the winter and participate in more tournaments this off-season. He said, "I'm hoping that I can come back to State next year and I can play good both days and be able to stay focused and stay in the right state of mind for both days."

Weaver said Sessa is very coachable and he looks forward to working with him again. He expects the entire Cougar team to be strong next year with at least six golfers who will be contenders for spots in the state tournament.

Cheyenne Mountain High School won the 4A championship. Silver Creek finished 8th. Bradley Weinmaster of Riverdale Ridge in Thornton was state champion, winning in a playoff.