With daily practices, weekly tournaments, and a winning record, the golf team made its mark this season. The girls’ golf state tournament took place Sept. 29, followed by the boys’ Oct. 6.

A fresh face on the golf team this year, junior August Richter, also juggles playing basketball and tennis for the school.

“I was just looking to try different sports,” Richter said.

Richter’s interest in sports has been an important part of his life. However, along with his homework, the busy schedule has caused him problems.

“I’m doing a little bit of tennis too. So, those seasons overlap a lot, especially the tournaments,” Richter said.

The golf team practiced every day after school and participated in tournaments every week, but the schedule was not only demanding for Richter. Freshman Charles Nicholson also had to accommodate the practices.

“You have to learn how to move around your time for practice and tournaments,” Nicholson said. “I think I have gotten better at time management.”

Although the practice takes up time for players Nicholson and Richter, it helped them form bonds with coaches and other players.

“We’ve been practicing a lot over the summer and over this year, and seeing everyone five days a week, I got to know people pretty well,” Nicholson said. “Also being a freshman on the team, I’ve got to learn from all the other seniors and juniors during practice.”

Along with peer mentorship, Nicholson feels supported by the team’s new coach, Stephan Bartlett. Similarly, Richter feels the team is a good opportunity for younger players to get more experience.

“We have a lot of new players right now,” Richter said. “For most of these guys, it’s been their first tournament, and it’s going well regardless.”

Richter has played golf since he was a little kid and joined the team after it was suggested to him by a friend.

“I’m really close to all the people on the golf team now. I hang out with them outside of school,” Richter said. “It’s not just a team friendship.”

The feeling of mentorship and support is also found on the girls’ golf team. Sophomore Madelyn Prock has formed connections with her teammates.

“Not just the coaches have helped me but also the better girls on the team have helped me grow and help me with my etiquette,” Prock said.

Prock is not competing this golf season because the team was full. However, she is looking forward to next year’s competitions.

“I feel like I grew so much with the help of my coaches,” Prock said. “I’ve seen such growth in my golf shots, in my game, just all of it. I’ve gotten a lot better.”

Beyond all the practices and tournaments, the biggest takeaway for Prock has been the bonds she has made.

“It’s been such a good growing experience,” Prock said. “Everyone on the team is so sweet and helpful. I love those girls.”