Boys’ Golf Sets Their Sights on Obtaining Almont League Title
SALLY TRAN
Staff Writer
Currently in the thicket of their Almont League games, the varsity boys’ golf team continues to strive to obtain the League title despite being narrowly beaten by Montebello on April 1.
“We lost to a team we should’ve beaten,” said Head Coach Brambilla.
A stroke away from claiming victory, the score of 220-219 left the team bitter as they, too, acknowledged their less than ideal play. However, this served as an invaluable experience as it was their first game away from home territory.
According to Brambilla, factors, such as the new grounds and a 100 yard extension to the field, affected the team’s course management and overall performance. Regardless, Brambilla stated that the team did play to their full potential.
In addition, the team is mostly comprised of young underclassmen, with Umair Amjad being the only returning senior. This creates an element of surprise as there are few past performances from which to predict future success.
Nevertheless, the coaches express praise regarding the players’ determination, and the entire team aims to work together in accomplishing their goal.
“So far, all the new guys are better than players from last year; but since they’re new, they might not play as well under pressure,” said Amjad. “As of now, we have played every tournament with a lot of confidence.”
Indeed, the varsity boys’ golf team redeemed themselves on April 8 against Bell Gardens as they left the course ahead by roughly 50 strokes. With renewed spirit to chase after the League title, the team is looking forward to their biggest match against the returning champions, Mark Keppel. Having beaten Keppel in a previous match, the team believes in their ability to defeat them yet again. The return of freshman player Nick Oda is also highly anticipated, as he is currently engaged with hockey season. His comeback is expected to make the team much stronger and better their chances.
“Our kids are hardworking,” said Brambilla, “[Assistant Coach Anthony Granados] and I are really encouraged by their attitudes.”
Whether they grab the League title or not, the team has come a long way from where they began at the beginning of the season. Granados has been working with the boys on the fundamentals and their scores reflect the benefits of training.
Compared to their first League match against Temple City with a score of 232, the team currently falls around the 205 range and is showing dramatic improvement. If the players return next year, the then seasoned golfers will show a better performance from the start.
“The sport of golf is really much tougher than people think it is,” said Brambilla. “People think that all we do is hit a ball; we don’t.”