The Arapahoe boys golf team had a terrific year. They took 2nd in league and are sending two kids to the state meet which is at the end of the month.

The boys had a terrific start to the season as they won the first league tournament of the year by a commanding 32 strokes at Meadow Hills Golf Course. “We were able to take advantage of the course because of the length off the tee we have as a team compared to all the other teams in our league,” said junior captain David Packer.

The next two tournaments for the boys didn’t go so well. After two bad days at Saddle Rock and at The Meadows, Cherokee Trail took the lead in league by 4 strokes. “We hit a rough patch on the season. Putts weren’t falling and we couldn’t seem to hit the greens,” senior captain Austin Lienemann.

Then came the next league tournament at Arapahoe’s home course, South Suburban. They won by 6 strokes, led by Austin Lienemann who shot 74 and took 3rd overall. “Things finally started to go our way. Everything seemed to fall at the right time,” said Lienemann.

Then came the last league meet. Everything went wrong for Arapahoe at Aurora Hills where they should take over that course with three par fours that are driveable. They lost by 10 strokes to Cherokee Trail and ended up losing league by 8 stokes. “We are disappointed that we lost but there is nothing we can do about it now,” said Packer.

The Warriors had regionals this week on Tuesday at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club. Turner Johnson, Tyler Martinez, David Packer, and Austin Lienemann all played to qualify for the State Golf Tournament.

Austin Lienemann shot a 73 to get an outright fourth place finish. “I played one of the best tournament rounds of my life to qualify. My coach said you only got one shot, so don’t hold anything back,” Austin said after his round.

The other golfer to qualify was David Packer. He shot a 78 and tied with three guys competing for only two spots. He had to participate in a playoff after the round and made a thirty footer for par to qualify for the state meet. “Last year I was the last person to make the cut for the state meet. This year I had to play in a playoff with two other guys. I have never been so nervous in my life. I was so nervous over my par putt that I was shaking. I hope I never have to do that again.”

Tyler and Turner both played great as they shot 80 and missed the cut by 2 strokes. Turner had to battle back after an awful six over start after three holes. Tyler was playing great until he made a triple on his fourth to last hole to push him over the cut line.

Lienemann and Packer will be play Sept. 29 and 30 at Colorado Springs Country Club.