Youth
www.SanTanSun.com CHRISTOPHERSON FROM PAGE 29
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Basha basketball camp enrolling
to win the Masters from the traditional Sunday location on the 18th green—front right on the lower terrace. Caden knew the putt. “It was about the same spot that Adam Scott made the winning putt at last year’s Masters,” says a soft-spoken Caden. His total for the putting round netted him an additional seven points, for an overall total of 23 for the three facets. That score left him two points away from the winner at 25 for a third-place finish.
Presentation When the competition wrapped up, the participants were treated to a presentation of the trophies and a grand luncheon in the Founders Room, which Lalena describes as “surreal with the members in their Green Jackets.” Eight golfers from each age division were crowned champions for the event. But, everyone present was a winner on Sunday, as the participants got to experience the thrill of Augusta, and see their heroes. The game’s luminaries Bubba Watson, Mark O’ Meara and Jordan Spieth, among others, were looking on and supporting the endeavor. Says Lalena, “Bubba Watson was there and shook every kids hand...just amazing.” Caden already has plans for a return visit to Augusta in 2015, this time to win the championship. The road will be harder as qualifying will encompass all 50 states with expectations of as many as 50,000 entries expected. With a family behind him and in full support, the young golfer who shoots even par at Ocotillo is humble; “I’ll do my best,” he says.
May 3 – 16, 2014
SKILLED GOLFER: With his swing thoughts in mind, honed under the instruction of his father and Ocotillo’s golf professional Kay Cornelius, Caden Christopherson hit for 243 yards, netting him a solid nine points. Photo courtesy of Drive, Chip and Putt Championship
Final Putt While not sure if he will ever have the opportunity to play in a Masters Tournament, Caden will keep practicing and playing, while also enjoying all sports, a priceless gift handed down from his parents. The memory of that April Sunday will endure for Caden and his family for years to come. “Caden has a photo with Condoleezza Rice (the first woman invited to be an Augusta National member), the club just went above and beyond. Augusta was so beautiful and amazing, this is the best
thing the Masters has ever done,” says Lalena. Golf won huge on Sunday April 6, 2014, and not coincidentally, Watson, the man who had taken the time to spend with the participants that day, slipped into his second Green Jacket the following Sunday. That is the Golfing Gods looking down with pleasure for a phenomenal effort by all involved at Augusta...as Jim Nantz would say: “A win for the ages.” Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.
Girls and boys entering kindergarten through eighth grade can have fun while improving their basketball skills at the Basha High Summer Basketball Camp throughout the month of June at the school’s auditorium, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Camps are held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 2 through June 12 and 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday, June 16 through June 26. Campers can sign up for one week, two weeks or all four weeks. Cost per week is $75, or $250 for all four weeks, and includes a basketball and camp T-shirt for each camper. All proceeds from the camp benefit Basha High’s boys’ and girls’ basketball programs. Campers receive age-appropriate instruction from Basha High girls’ and boys’ coaches and staff, focusing on offensive skills and defensive and team fundamentals. All campers should bring tennis shoes, shorts, a T-shirt and plenty of water to drink. Online registration is available via credit or debit card. To register online, visit www. cusdcommunity.com, click Register for Our Programs and select Camps/Clinics and Basha High School. If paying by check or money order, visit the Community Education Center at 1525 W. Frye Rd., Chandler.