STATE 4A GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP Kirtland girls’ team takes 3rd; Tristan Goodwin 2nd in individual play Story Tom Yost | Courtesy photos The Four Corners did not send many players down to the NMAA Class 4A State Golf Championships at the University of New Mexico South Course, but the ones they did send down represented the area well. Kirtland Central High School’s Tristan Goodwin finished in second place with a score of 152, just 5 shots behind Ben Albin of Albuquerque Academy. Donald Thornton of Piedra Vista High School in Farmington finished in fourth place with a score of 154. Goodwin shot an even par, 72 in his first round, which tied him for the lead with Albin. “It was exciting but nerve-racking,” said Goodwin of heading into the final round tied for the lead. “I was just trying to stay calm and play my own game.” Unfortunately, perfect Monday weather conditions gave way to the wind and cold on Tuesday morning. “The second day was extremely cold,” said Kirtland Central High School Coach, Chuck Soria. “It had a big impact on a lot of kids playing. The wind chill was 25 degrees when the boys and girls teed off and the first 14 holes were cold and windy.” “The weather had a big impact – mostly on the front nine,” said Goodwin. The cold and wind led to a lot of stupid mistakes.” “Finishing second was a big accomplishment, but nothing beats that golf medal,” explained Goodwin. “I had fun and was proud of myself, for the most part.” In the boy’s team competition, Piedra Vista High School finished in fourth place, led by Thornton’s fourth place finish. On the girls’ side, Kirtland Central High School was the lone team out of San Juan County to qualify for state. Their third place finish completed a season that started very strong and added a green trophy to their district dominance. Kirtland Central’s Girls Coach, Steve Williams, was concerned heading into the state tournament, due to the lack of competition in the region. “Our girls didn’t really have a lot of competition, week in and week out during the season, so when we got paired with great players from Deming and Albuquerque Academy I think it might have explained the bad first day.” Paced by Darmika Frank’s third place finish, the Lady Broncos forged their way ahead of Goddard on day two to finish in third place behind Deming and Albuquerque Academy. “Our girls lost a lot of ground to Deming and Albuquerque Academy the first day,” said Coach Williams. “But I was very pleased with the way they bounced back on day two to finish in third place. With summer in full swing, the high school golf teams will be practicing hard and looking forward to the start of a great 2014-2015 season in the fall.
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Four Corners SPOrTS
June 2014