Cheney Blackhawks Shine at the 3A State Boys Golf Tournament

The State 3A boys golf tournament was an event filled with dramatic twists and turns, particularly for the Cheney Blackhawks. Their journey during the tournament led to a flurry of tense moments as the scoreboard fluctuated, showing them at various points leading or trailing against their competitors. Ultimately, they capped off the tournament with a hard-earned third-place trophy. While not the coveted championship they sought, the achievement reflects the growth and potential of the Cheney golf program.

Cheney’s Performance Overview

Cheney ended the tournament with a two-round total score of 613, posting a strong 308 on the final day at the Creek at Qualchan. Mercer Island clinched the title with a cumulative score of 605, pulling off an impressive comeback from fourth place after the first day. Their final round of 295, which was 7-over-par, allowed them to sneak past Bellevue by just two strokes, showcasing the depth of talent present in the competition.

Coach Fayant’s Insights

Reflecting on the tournament, Cheney’s coach Justin Fayant expressed a mix of pride and frustration. "We had a similar experience last year, and while it was exciting, we missed the cut," he shared. This year, the performance was different, as finishing third was a notable improvement. However, Fayant noted that the players might be feeling more frustration than pride at the moment. "They’ll eventually understand the significance of this achievement and realize their journey is still not complete," he added, emphasizing the need to learn from both victories and setbacks.

Stellar Performances by Cheney Athletes

Sophomore Justin Krasselt showed impressive resilience as he bounced back from a challenging first-round score of 77. He finished with an even-par 72, including notable birdies on holes No. 1, 11, and 15. Krasselt’s experience as the Greater Spokane League Player of the Year played a significant role in his comeback, reflecting his ability to adjust and improve under pressure. "I shortened my swing last night to stay more connected, and that adjustment helped me hit more fairways and greens," Krasselt shared.

The Blackhawks’ Key Contributions

Another key player for Cheney was Ryan Howe, who managed to birdie both the 15th and 18th holes, finishing his second round with a score of 74. Howe’s two-round total of 147 earned him a tie for 10th place overall, while Krasselt secured a tie for 11th. Notably, competitors from North Central also made their mark, with Teigen Brill finishing in sixth place after scoring a 73.

Individual Titles and Competition Results

The individual title was claimed by Calvin Cakarnis from Liberty of Bellevue, who delivered an exceptional performance with a remarkable score of 32 on the back nine, concluding with a 4-under 68. The drama of the tournament wasn’t limited to just the team competition. As Cheney’s players navigated their rounds, they also had to contend with the shifting leaderboard dynamics. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat were palpable, especially on the back nine as Mercer Island surged ahead.

The Road Ahead for Cheney’s Team

The Cheney Blackhawks have a bright future ahead, primarily due to their youthful roster. With four sophomores, one junior, and one freshman making up their top six players, the team is well-positioned for continued progress in upcoming seasons. Their experience at the state tournament will serve as a building block, reinforcing their skills and teamwork as they set their sights on next year’s championship.

A Broader Look at the 4A and 2A Tournaments

While Cheney’s struggles were unfolding, the 4A tournament featured Lewis and Clark’s Jack Brigham, who placed fourth with a total score of 144. His team, the Tigers, finished second overall with a score of 612, trailing Newport by eight strokes. In the girls’ competition, Gonzaga Prep’s Lisette Durkin made her mark, finishing tied for eighth place.

Meanwhile, the 2A tournament saw Pullman’s boys clinching the state championship, demonstrating their capability with three players finishing in the top 10. Under Coach Eric Martin’s guidance, the team demonstrated the patience and heart required to navigate a challenging course that tested their skills and resolve.

Highlights from 1A and 2B/1B Competitions

In the 1A tournament, Medical Lake, led by senior Kali Rowe, fought valiantly and finished as runner-up to Overlake. Rowe showcased her talent with a two-day score of 152, securing her place in the state’s competitive landscape. Overlake’s Kendria Wang emerged as the individual champion, further stressing the fierce competition present at this level.

Freeman’s girls also made headlines in the 2B/1B competition, bringing home the championship trophy. With a strong collective effort, four players secured places in the top 11, illustrating the depth of talent in their roster. Coach John Bruno praised the dedication of his team, attributing their success to hard work and resilience throughout the season.

Closing Reflections

The State 3A boys golf tournament served not just as a testament to the Blackhawks’ growth but also highlighted the importance of resilience, strategy, and community in high school sports. As teams assess their strengths and weaknesses, they are reminded that every tournament is a stepping stone. While Cheney ended this year’s event with a bronze trophy, their experience and determination lay the groundwork for future triumphs in the years to come. With so many young talents emerging from these programs, the landscape of high school golf in Washington is undeniably bright, setting the stage for thrilling competitions ahead.