Golf champions take fifth in state
By Zach Lipfield, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of RCHS
The RCHS varsity boys golf team finished fifth at the 2020 Class 5A boys golf state championship. Pictured left to right are Nathan Kim, Blake Sullivan, Nick Fallin and Charlie Tucker.
Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) boys golf finished fifth in the state at the 2020 Class 5A boys golf state championships held in Golden at The Club at Rolling Hills on October 5 and 6. The team went into the championship after finishing first at regionals.
Nathan Kim, RCHS freshman, played a few solid rounds in high school with a best of 76 and a scoring average of 78 that put him third place on the RCHS varsity team. He contributed to the fifth place finish at state, the win at regionals, as well as winning the Continental League tournament.
Kim played in his very first state championship and counts this first experience as an opportunity for growth. Placing in a tie for 17th overall, he looks at the bright side of his situation as well as anticipating future chances at the big win.
“A big part of golf is being experienced in high pressure situations. You need to take small stepping stones before you can win a state championship,” commented Kim.
The team had high hopes for a stellar finish at state. They finished first in their league and had just come off a huge victory at Raccoon Creek Golf Course to be crowned regional champions. The team, with accomplished freshman players, is looking to bring a strong team into next year.
Throughout the entire tournament, evidence of good sportsmanship, hard work and dedication was apparent. The official high school boys season may start in the fall, but student athletes practice year-round and play in summer tournaments. While state may be the concluding tournament of the year, every athlete will be out on the links practicing until the snow flies.
