Golfers finish 10th at state

Posted 9/29/15

“Our goal going in was to see if we could have our best showing and be the best” among two other teams with similar amounts of experience, said PHS coach Troy Hildebrand. “We were able to accomplish that and I believe each of our players felt …

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Golfers finish 10th at state

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Powell High School’s golf team finished its season on a positive note, showing some improvement at the Class 3A State Tournament in Torrington.

“Our goal going in was to see if we could have our best showing and be the best” among two other teams with similar amounts of experience, said PHS coach Troy Hildebrand. “We were able to accomplish that and I believe each of our players felt like they had a successful weekend.”

Powell overtook Rawlins on the second day of the Friday-Saturday tournament to finish 10th in the 12-team field.

Sophomore Treven Keeler led the Panthers with rounds of 108 and 103. Hildebrand said he played more consistently and did better at keeping the ball in play.

“This showing should give him something to build on as he heads into his junior and senior years,” the coach said, adding that, “with just a little work (he) could make a big jump for us.”

Senior Robert Rodriguez shot 103-112.

“Overall, he has done a good job for us over the last four years and I appreciate his contributions to our program,” Hildebrand said. “He has always carried himself very well and represented our program with class at the tournaments.”

Freshman Reece Hackenberg “did a very nice job” in shooting 107-108, the coach said.

“He has gotten better all year and has tremendous potential moving forward. I believe that he will show a lot growth in his game over the next three years,” Hildebrand said.

Sean Wagner fired rounds of 108 and 111.

“As a senior so new to golf, I thought Sean did a nice job all year for us and this week was no exception,” Hildebrand said. “I think Sean showed a lot of maturity on the course and he always worked hard to get the most out of each round.”

Freshman Rob Sessions “played a lot of solid golf on a tough course” in shooting 108-113.

“He has been a real bright spot as a freshman this year and I am confident that he is going to work hard in the off season and I expect a big jump for next year from him,” Hildebrand said.

After the first day, Pinedale, Torrington and Star Valley were tied for the lead, with Lander just three strokes back. Pinedale — led by standout senior Jordan Costello — ultimately edged Torrington by a single stroke to take the 3A title. The school’s four best scores over the two days totaled 671.

Costello ran away from the field, shooting 69-74 (1 under) to win individual honors by 16 strokes.

Powell’s best four scores over the two days totaled 860, eight shots better than at their showing at the regional tournament.

Cody won the 3A title on the girls side, while Lander’s Macy Jacobson won individual honors with rounds of 78 and 86.

Hildebrand said Powell’s inexperience “was obviously a factor all year and the true measure of this season and future success will be whether or not all of our returning players can find the time to work on their game in the offseason.”

With a fall season that lasts only about a month, he said the team needs players who come in ready to be successful.

“I think this is a group that has some players that are ready to take that step for next year,” Hildebrand said.

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