Teeing up for success - NHS boys golf

As the new school year approaches, the Niwot High School boys golf team is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season. Head Coach Ed Weaver, now entering his 19th golf season with the boys and girls teams combined, is enthusiastic about the team's potential this year.

"We're going to have a good team and we're going to be competitive," Weaver said. "I'm very excited about this season."

Weaver is looking at senior Drew Stapp and junior Jackson Sessa to be his standout players for the season. Stapp qualified for the state tournament last season as a junior and Sessa competed in the state tournament when he was a freshman. Senior Jagger Kilpatrick is also expected to have a strong season.

"Junior Will Jones should be another key player," Weaver said, noting that junior Moses Lance, junior Charlie Budacz, junior Joe Weimer, sophomore Owen Lipinski, and sophomore Cooper Leap are also players to watch, emphasizing the depth of the team this year.

Weaver also expressed confidence in the abilities of his players, saying, "All those guys can play at a pretty consistent level."

With the state tournament set for Oct. 7 and 8, Weaver emphasized the importance of off-season preparation. "They have to be playing golf on their own before the season starts," he said. "The way it works is you can't learn golf and play it in the time we have."

Weaver's main goals for the season are ambitious but seem within reach for the Cougars. Weaver wants to win the league, win the region, and qualify a team that places in the top five in the state tournament. This year, the golf team will be competing at 4A in the newly formed Granite Peaks League.

The new season is already off to a fast start, with tryouts completed and the Holy Family League Event kicking off on Thursday, August 8. The team's schedule is packed with competitive events, and they are ready to showcase their skills.