“Simply a pleasure,” were the three words golf coach Will Wilson said about his Holy Family boys golf team this season.
   The season came to a close last Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the State Championship at Cougar Canyon in Trinidad, Colo.
   The course was designed by professional golfer Jack Nicklaus, with sand traps made of volcanic rock and greens that, according to junior Nick Bovine’s father, Vick Bovine, were similar to that of “the home of golf,” referring to St. Andrews course in Scotland. 
   The tournament started on, Oct. 5. Thirty teams were represented, but only 11 teams were able to compete for the team state title and 84 individuals competed individually.
   “The weather was a horror,” said Bovine. With wind gusts over 50 miles per hour, it was tough golfing for anyone. 
   Senior Will Roth’s father, Richard Roth, said, “Golf is one of those games where you just have to take the medicine and get over it.”
   According to Bovine, Holy Family did just that. “The boys played through it very well.” Holy Family was tied for first with Kent Denver by the end of the first day.
   At the start of the second day, the weather had changed dramatically, leading to a clear, sunny sky for the match. “It was a great day for golf,” said Bovine.
   Kent Denver won the overall team State Championship with a total of 488, and Peter Hassan of Alexander Dawson won the individual championship with a final score of 155.
   Holy Family finished fifth as a team behind Trinidad, Peak to Peak and Eaton. By the end of the tournament, Bovine said, “I am still proud to be wearing the Holy Family logo.”
 “Though we all had a tough day, I think we acted very professional and displayed a very high degree of etiquette,” said Bovine.
   For seniors Will Roth, Cliff Williams and Sean Urban, this tournament was their last at Holy Family.
    “I am sad to be leaving, but I think Nick Bovine and Austin Lucero know what they are doing, they are ready to take over,” said Roth.
    But this is not the end of the golf road for Roth. He is looking into schools such as Emory and other Division 3 schools where he can play golf.
   Having been on the golf team for all four years of his high school career, Roth has learned a lot since freshman year. “I am more consistent, in general. I like the game more, and I learned that you can play a great round and still lose.”
   Urban’s advice for those golfers to come after him on the Holy Family team is to “practice all you can, keep your chin up and remember that each hole counts.”
   Wilson has his own advice for next year’s boys. “Practice putting.” As for Roth, Williams and Urban, Wilson gives the guidance, “Study before girls.”
   Wilson’s final goodbye to his team was one of heart felt sentiment. “I love you guys; it was great to be able to be your coach,” said Wilson.