When the Montezuma-Cortez High School golf team won the Western Slope Regional Championship in 2010, many viewed the victory as an aberration. Two more consecutive regional championships later, and such victories appear to be becoming the norm.
Entering the 2013 prep season with expectations at an all-time high, the MCHS golf team will seek to continue its impressive run while solidifying its reputation as one of the top prep squads on the Western Slope. To do so, the team will rely on a roster stocked with experienced upperclassmen and talented newcomers.
Chief amongst the experienced players is Jakob Rudosky, a senior who has thus far enjoyed great success in an MCHS uniform. A three-time state qualifier who sank a 115-yard wedge shot to win the 2012 regional championship, Rudosky finished tied for 18th in the state in 2010, tied for 25th in the state in 2011 and 8th in the state in 2012.
Already known as a player capable of scoring low on any given day, Rudosky will be counted on to provide leadership for this year’s team.
“Jakob does a great job of motivating the other kids and showing them what [an MCHS golfer] can do,” explained head coach Micah Rudowsky. “The other kids see [Jacob having success] and they work a little bit harder. The kids respect him. It’s good to have such a strong leader.”
Joining Rudosky at the top of this year’s lineup will be juniors Hayden Plewe and Ryan Aiken. With two years of state tournament experience already under their belts, both players will look to post low scores throughout the season.
“Individually, I would like to win at least one high school tournament this season,” said Plewe. “I also want to have one or two under-par rounds. I’ve worked hard on my putting over the summer and it has definitely improved. I just want to post low and have a good year.”
Complementing the strong group of players at the top, senior Terrance Yarbrough, junior Tristen Shelby, junior Levi Gross and junior Kieran Keesee will compete for the team’s remaining varsity spots. A spate of talented youngsters, led by freshmen Billy Broughton and Killian Keiser, could also work their way into the mix.
Opening the 2013 season on Aug. 14 in Gypsum against Eagle Valley High School, MCHS will travel to Grand Junction on Aug. 19 and Fruita on Aug. 20 before returning home for a tournament at Conquistador Golf Course on Aug. 21.
“It’s always fun to see some of the locals come out and watch our kids play,” said Micah Rudowsky. “I always encourage the community to come out, and we would love to have them.”
Following the Cortez tournament, the team will compete in tournaments held in Pagosa Springs, Montrose and Durango before traveling back to Gypsum for Regionals on Sept. 17. If all goes well at regionals, team members will compete in the 4A State Championship on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
While it is still too early to tell just how good this year’s MCHS golf team might be, there is little doubt that sights have been set high.
“My goal is for this team to take first at state,” said a serious-faced Ryan Aiken. “If we all do what we’re capable of doing, you never know.”
Regardless of whether the team wins a state title, one thing is certain. Golf fans in and around the Cortez area should gear up for what promises to be one of the most exciting prep golf seasons in recent memory.