Golf drives for state

For the first time since 1994, the Wimberley High School Men’s Golf Team has advanced to the University Interscholastic League’s state golf tournament.

Coach Dane Saucier’s Texan team — Hollis Echols, Cody Stoever, Ethan Sharp, Kellar Cudney and Jaxon Donaldson — traveled to Victoria’s Colony Creek golf club on April 19–20 to play in the regional tournament. The group of underclassmen finished second in district behind Boerne High School to make the cut and move on to regionals.

Donaldson had a difficult start to the tournament, shooting 10 over par 81 on the first day. Even with a rough day, he said he was relieved that he was there with the team.

“It takes a little stress off your shoulders because if I have a bad hole or bad day or something like that I get to rely on a team to help me out a little bit,” Donaldson shared. “ I’ve never really had that. It’s a more fun experience overall being with these guys, preparing for the tournament together.”

“I would say just kind of relaxes me a little bit more,” he continued. “I’ve won the past two years but got fourth this year — which I’m not saying is bad — but I’m not so worried about how I do individually. I’m focused on getting this team to state and let’s go perform and have fun.”

Donaldson scored a one-under par 70 on the second day for a 151 total. He was followed by Stoever who scored 159 for the two days.

“It’s exciting to be a part of something special like this,” Stover said. “We obviously didn’t play our best. We know that we could have played a lot better, but the fact that we’re still going to state is something that’s an honor.”

“I feel like we have a lot of potential and a real chance to go out and win a state championship,” he added.

Cudney has committed himself to golf as his only sport in high school thus far. His scorecard showed 165 after the two-day event.

“For the team to make it is new experience for me,” Cudney said. “This is my third year playing and accomplishing going to state makes it pretty cool.”

“I just try to shoot the best scores I can and contribute however possible,” he continued. “I just try to pick up my teammates when they have an off day because I trust them to pick me up when I’m not having my best.”

Team. The word harkens back to the fall. Football. Volleyball. Team tennis. Wimberley High School was abuzz as playoffs spoke of the closeness of their teams.

“Jaxon (Donaldson) has gone down there the past two years,” Saucier said. “That’s obviously something that’s very special for him and for our school. For us to be able to take a team down there is the goal.”

“At the end of the tournament, they hand out a team trophy, and they don’t hand out just the individual medals — which shows importance placed upon the team,” Saucier explained. “Anytime you’re able to go there as a group — the guys that go out there and practice together every day — and enjoy the experience is a good thing. The ultimate goal was for the team to be able to find a way to get on that podium and get a team medal.”

Echols is the only freshman of the group. He ended five strokes back of Cudney with a two day total of 170.

“I’m grateful that I’m able to do this and that the team’s brought me to state and have an experience that not a lot of people get as a freshman,” Echols commented. “Playing in the state tournament for me is to be out there competing, trying to win. I’m also trying to take it all in because it’s an impressive thing that I get to do. I’m excited we’re going as a team.”

Fresh out of basketball season, Sharp stepped up and in to aid the Texans. Sharp shot 88 and 86 for a two day score of 183.

“I love being part of those guys, and we’ve really bonded while going through district and regionals,” he said. “We didn’t play our best that first day but bounced back the second and improved a good bit. We’re pretty fortunate to be going and are gonna have to get dialed in to make a run at it.”

The Texans finished third behind regional champion Boerne and Bellville High School to qualify for the opportunity to compete at the state championships. The team improved 13 strokes from their first day score (329) to move into the bronze medal position.

“They gotta remain focused. And it’s, it’s a long time to stay that way. They’re gonna give them a little bit of time off, but [they] also [have to] stay focused on the big picture,” said Saucier.

The state tournament will be held Monday and Tuesday, May 22–23, at Legends Golf Course, 105 Rangeway Circle in Kingsland.

“We played the state preview there and shot 320 the first day and 303 the second,” Saucier said. “We finished second there, so if a team goes under 310 both days, I think you’re gonna give yourself a chance to be on the medal stand.”

Discussing his team, Coach Saucier focused not on their skills but on character.

“It’s a unique group from one standpoint in that three of them only play golf,” he explained. “They’re also a really good group of kids, really good people. Not only as players, but they’re also top notch guys over in the school building. The kind of guys that you would want your own kids to act like and be like.”

Coach Saucier and his team invited the community and their classmates to come out in support of their chase of a state title.

“Hopefully, the weather will cooperate, and we’ll be able to have a big big turnout,” Saucier said. “We’d love to have some people out there to watch them play.”