Dennis PleussIt didn’t take long for Lakewood’s boys golf team to start focusing in on its 2016 campaign.
Finishing tied in the Class 5A runner-up position for the second straight year was tough to swallow for the Tigers. What was even more difficult, Regis Jesuit edged Lakewood and Coronado by a single stroke to win the team title last year in Fort Collins.
“It’s been positive, but last year was kind of frustrating because we came so close,” Lakewood senior Griffin Barela said during practice Aug. 12 at Fox Hollow Golf Course in Lakewood. “We also gained some valuable experience. If we are in the same position this year we’ll know how to close.”
Barela, who has verbally committed to play golf at the University of Wisconsin after he graduates, finished in a four-way tie for fifth at the state tournament last October. The senior has an impressive summer taking medalist honors at the National Junior Amateur Qualifying tournament in June, advancing him to the National Junior Amateur in late-July in Tennessee.
The Tigers’ team captain then captured the Colorado Junior Match Play title in early August defeating Valor Christian graduate David Leede 1-up in the championship match. Barela edged Lakewood teammate Jack Castiglia in 19 holes in the semifinals.
“It was really fun to get the victory there, especially playing Jack there in the semifinals,” Barela said of his match play victory. “It was a lot of fun to play against a really good friend.”
Lakewood junior Jack Castiglia, right, placed tied for 28th at state last year. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)
The stellar summer has Barela riding a wave of confidence as the Tigers begin their journey to claim their third straight 5A Jeffco League team title and get back in contention to claim that elusive state title. Lakewood opens its conference title defense in the first Jeffco League tournament of the season Monday, Aug. 15, at Deer Creek Golf Course in Littleton.
“I feel like I was able to play really consistently this summer,” Barela said. “I put myself in the position where I feel like I can win any tournament I’m in. That’s a good place to be.”
Castiglia spent most of his summer on the golf course as well getting ready for the short boys golf season that is scheduled to conclude with the two-day state tournament Sept. 26-27 at Bookcliff Country Club in Grand Junction.
“I wanted to get into the mindset of playing tournament golf and getting ready to play with the team and trying to win state,” Castiglia said. “There is going to be a little bit of pressure, but nothing we can’t handle. We can definitely win it this year.”
Lakewood will have plenty of senior experience returning that includes senior Grayden Wolfe who will be counted on to provide some depth for the Tigers.
“We have set the bar really high for ourselves,” Wolfe said. “We want to reach our full potential.”
Columbine senior Marcus Tait, 16th at state last year, will be one of the top returning Jeffco players. If Lakewood is able to win its third straight conference title it will play in the 5A regional and state qualifying tournament Sept. 15 at The Broadlands Golf Course in Broomfield.
“The ultimate goal is a state title,” Lakewood coach Alan Gonzales said. “We know we have the talent to do it. Now we just have to outwork everybody to make sure we do it.”
Gonzales admitted getting so close to winning a state title the previous two seasons motivates his team. He also said that winning isn’t everything and the key is to stay positive this no matter what happens from tee to green.
“Honestly, we are looking at the bigger picture,” Gonzales said. “What kind of program are we building? What kind of young adults are we? If success on the golf course follows we are going to take that as well.”
Lakewood senior Griffin Barela won the Colorado Junior Match Play title this summer. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)