Student Athlete of the Week Emmett Shell

One rough day is all it takes to destroy a golfer's state championship hopes. Emmett Shell learned that lesson last year when he missed the state cut at regionals despite qualifying the prior season.

Now another year wiser, the Niwot High School golfer wasn't about to squander another opportunity to compete at the state tournament. Playing cautiously, Shell shot a 2-over-par 74 at the 4A Region 3 meet on Sept. 21 to finish sixth individually, well within the state cut.

"This was meaningful in the fact that I've been working my butt off (over) the last year," Shell said following his regionals performance at the Boomerang Links Golf Course in Greeley. "It was not hard to qualify today, I knew that. It was just nice to see that I made some progress from last year."

Shell's day included three birdies, five bogeys and 10 pars. It wasn't his best 18 holes, but the end result of qualifying for state was the only thing on his mind.

"Coming in, my game has been feeling pretty good, not the best, but I was playing it safe today and laying off a bunch," Shell said. "I just needed a round that gets me into state and then I can go crush it at state. I shot 74, which is above average for me, but that's all I needed. That's all it took today. The goal was to qualify."

Shell, along with junior teammate Drew Stapp, who shot a 77 at regionals to qualify, will soon make their way to Montrose for the 4A state tournament Oct. 2-3.

The veteran Shell shared that he'll continue to keep things straightforward as he prepares for the state tournament.

"I've just been focused on keeping it smart, keeping it simple - that's honestly about it," Shell said. "And a lot of practice."

Ahead of what will be the senior's final high school meet, Niwot head coach Ed Weaver is also confident that Shell will be ready when it's time to tee off in Montrose.

"He'll give it his all," Weaver said. "He'll be prepared for sure."

Regardless of what happens at state, Weaver will remain grateful for the positive impact that Shell has had on Niwot's program.

"He's been a huge influence in the program," Weaver said. "His work ethic has worn off on other kids. He works hard on his game all the time and the other kids pick it up."

Shell added that he's looking forward to closing out his Niwot career on Colorado's biggest stage. "It's just awesome that I get to play my last year at state," he said.