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Niwot boys golf entering fall with strong core of returning talent

Reaching the 4A state championships for the first time since 2017 wasn't a fluke for last year's Niwot boys golf team - it was simply a product of a consistently competitive program.

The Cougars brought one golfer from each grade level to the state tournament and finished seventh in class 4A. Although they'll now be without 2022 graduate Christopher Gunlikson, who placed sixth individually at state, the foundation remains sturdy for a successful fall season.

"We've got a pretty good program," said eighth-year head coach Ed Weaver. "I've got to think there's a good awareness of the game of golf and I think our program speaks pretty well for itself. We've been a contender in our league (4A Longs Peak)... the last five years."

Weaver expects junior Emmett Shell to fill Gunlikson's shoes as Niwot's No. 1 golfer. Shell's sophomore season ended with a 26th-place finish at state.

"He'll fit right into that slot," Weaver said. 'He's a fantastic golfer. He's playing all the time and his game's gotten better."

Right behind Shell, senior Carlos Kipkorir also made noise at state last year when he improved 12 strokes from day one to day two. He's expected to enter his final season as Niwot's No. 2 golfer while also running cross country.

Sophomore Drew Stapp is coming off a school year that included two rare accomplishments for a freshman: competing in the state golf tournament and playing three different varsity sports (golf, basketball and baseball). "He has a little bit of a baseball swing, but he makes it work," Weaver said.

In addition to Shell, Kipkorir and Stapp, Niwot brings back senior Ryan Lady and junior Brighton Langenegger. Weaver noted that Lady has improved and Langenegger is "bombing the ball."

The program has plenty more depth, too. As of Niwot's first day of practice on August 1, a total of 24 students (a majority of them freshmen) have signed up, which has Weaver hoping to support a junior varsity team for the first time in his tenure.

The Cougars' depth could be a valuable asset with defending state champion Riverdale Ridge also in the 4A Longs Peak League. They'll get their first taste of each other on August 8 when Niwot hosts a league event at Longmont's Twin Peaks Golf Course.

Weaver's goals for the program stretch far beyond results, however. Along with assistant coach Chad Richart, their focus has been to develop character while allowing their athletes to enjoy the game.

"I want the kids to have fun playing golf," said Weaver, who also led the Niwot girls team to a fifth-place finish in state last season. "If your son or daughter comes out of high school with an appreciation for the game of golf and the ability to play, I've done my job, I'm good. Now having said that, if we're in contention and we can win some things in the meantime, that's great. I do that on purpose to take some of the pressure off. These kids put tons of pressure on themselves. I don't have to add any."

 

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