HR boys golf team claimed the regional championship in Thorn Creek and are trying to win the state title for the first time in boys golf history at HR. In the 2020 season, the HR boys golf team fell short of winning the league title.  With a team composed of standout golfers: Ethan Leach (class of ‘22), Aiden Krusoe (class of ‘23), Ryan Peragallo (class of ‘22), and Naseul Kim (class of ‘23), the next step for this team would be traveling to the state tournament to claim the state title for HR. 

This current season could be considered a success and a step up from last season. “We unfortunately came up short last year by not winning leagues, but we are doing a lot better. With Aiden [Krusoe] being very solid for us this season, and Ethan Leach really playing well towards the end of the season,” said Jack Bakken, varsity golf and class of ‘23.

“Making state was really big for our team. Our path to this point has definitely been hard and because our school has never won that state title, that’s been in our heads for a while. And every time we get further and further we come together so hopefully we can rise to the occasion.”

Ethan Leach

Even though the Falcons are strong competitors to win the state championship this season, there are other strong competitors also vying for that elusive state title. Arapahoe High School has been tough competition for the Falcons this season, as well as Evergreen and Columbine high school winning their own league titles. However, the stiffest competition for HR seems to be themselves. 

Ethan Leach, varsity golfer and class of ‘22, said, “Arapahoe has been our biggest competition and they have some pretty good golfers. Every tournament we’ve won by a decent amount of strokes. But in their league they’re also winning by a good amount. So we have a feeling that it’s us against Arapahoes right now so we have to be on our A-game next week.”

Even though the competition is tight, HR have been strong throughout the season. The team hasn’t gone below #2 in each tournament this season. According to CHSAA Golf, HR has averaged 297 strokes over 6 tournaments, which is one of the best averages in the Continental League.

HR has been consistent all year and will need to continue the strong play if they want to claim the state title. 

Leach said, “Making state was really big for our team. Our path to this point has definitely been hard and because our school has never won that state title, that’s been in our heads for a while. And every time we get further and further we come together so hopefully we can rise to the occasion.”

Kofi Kessey, Staff Reporter