Niwot golfers compete at state golf tournament

Niwot seniors Drew Stapp and Jagger Kilpatrick represented the Cougars at the 4A Boys Golf State Tournament on Oct. 7 and 8, held at the Tiara Rado Golf Course in Grand Junction. Competing against some of the best golfers in the state, both players put forth strong efforts in their final tournament.

For Stapp, the state tournament marked his third appearance, and carried special significance as he aimed to end his high school career on a high note. He opened the first round with an impressive 77, positioning himself well among the competition. However, the demanding course saw him finish the second round with an 86, bringing his two day total to 163, placing him tied for 29th place.

Kilpatrick, competing in his first state tournament, finished tied for 57th place with a total score of 176. After carding an 84 on the first day, he faced similar struggles in the second round, finishing with a 92. Despite the outcome, qualifying for the state tournament in his final year was a significant achievement for Kilpatrick.

The Tiara Rado Golf Course, known for its scenic vistas and tricky layout, presented challenges to golfers across the field. Cheyenne Mountain High School emerged as the state champions, followed by Grand Junction High School and Windsor High School in second and third, respectively.

Both Stapp and Kilpatrick can look back proudly on their high school golf careers, each leaving a lasting mark on Niwot's golf program. Their leadership helped shape a successful season for the Cougars, and while their state tournament results may not have met their ultimate goals, they proved their resilience on the biggest stage.

As their high school chapters close, the lessons learned and experiences gained will undoubtedly carry Stapp and Kilpatrick forward in their future endeavors.