The Broncos traveled to Tulare, CA. To compete in the Division 2 CIF Central Section Golf Championship Monday.

The team played great and had a few struggles but overall I was very proud at how the team competed. The Broncos finished in 10th place out of 18 teams with a Team Score of 428. Bakersfield Christian claimed the Division 2 Championship with a Team score of 400. I’m very proud that we were that close and stayed very competitive throughout the tournament. We definitely had some great moments from the team that kept us close. A few hiccups along the way always hurts but we did bounce back in the end. We were sitting in 14th place with 2 holes to go for each player. We manage to finish very strong with several players ending with pars and birdies to move us up to finish at 10th. They all told me they were going to finish that way and they accomplished just that!

Leading the way for the Broncos were a pair of Freshmen, Francesco Toscanini and Zane Nicholson both posting final scores of 82. They both played amazing today, 82 at State is very good. And to do it your first time there is a big accomplishment. Senior Cooper Beard was right behind them with a score of 83. His best score at CIF. Cooper is an amazing golfer and a more amazing young man. He keeps his composure and just digs in when things don’t go as planned. Never losing that smile and determination. He’s quiet and I can never really get a read on him during the matches, but he’s always ready with a wave and smile! I’ve had the pleasure of coaching and watching his evolution the past 2 years. Very proud of what he has accomplished and the transformation has been mind blowing!

These 3 golfers also have a good chance to make the Individual Finals next Monday May 19th in San Louis Obispo. We will find out for sure Tuesday afternoon after CIF posts the final scores. All of them deserve this after the season they had and how they played at CIF.

Senior Parker Pope finished with an 89 helping us secure that top 10 spot. It wasn’t easy for Parker this week, he was in New York all week watching his sister graduate Naval Office’s Candidate School and flew back to LA Sunday afternoon. Then made the drive up to Tulare to join us and have to play golf the next morning. Not easy, so I was very pleased with his performance.

Senior Garin Pritchard also shot his best at CIF posting a 92. Garin started strong then some struggles cost him but finished the last 2 holes even par helping to move us up the ladder. I love Garin’s energy and drive! He is very vocal and passionate with every shot and expects more of himself. At the end of the day, good or bad, he’s got a smile on his face and recounts his round and the positive things he did, and the not so positive.

Senior Travis Cano rounded out our scoring with a 99. For his first ever trip to CIF, Travis did good. Some early struggles and nerves got the best of him. But like Garin, he has amazing energy and competitiveness, and refuses to give in. He keeps fighting and digging.  Travis is probably the hardest on himself out of everyone and that shows how determined he is to compete and improve. I love his sense of humor and how he can bring the team together with his energy and laughter.

I am very proud of all of these young men and the season we had. It was a lot of fun coaching this team, I never knew what was coming next. From golfing to pre and post match discussions, it has been very entertaining! The closeness of this team all year was amazing and what every coach strives for. They laugh at each other, support each other and defend each other. Just great group of young men! I am definitely going to miss some of the more interesting conversations!

I would like to thank the community for their support and encouragement. A great big thank you to Steve, Gene, Arnie, Dick and Rich at Bishop Country Club. Without their support and help, our season would not be possible. Thank you to our Sponsors: Deans Heating and Plumbing, Bishop Glass, High Country Lumber, Perry Motors, Sierra Life Flight, Mohagany Meats, The Toggery, Back Alley, Corsaro Insurance, Bishop Veterinary Hospital and Kevin & Kristen Brown of Yerington, NV. Without our sponsors we would not have our season. So a great big Thank You!!

Coach Derek Carrington