Chris Aiken wanted it.
He got it.
Montezuma-Cortez High Schools successful golf program is graduating one more to the college level.
Aiken wanted to play golf in college, and will. He signed a national letter of intent to play for a young, Colorado Mesa University Mavericks program Tuesday. CMUs main campus is in Grand Junction and it competes in NCAA Division II. Aiken was influenced by Grand Junctions close, but, not too close proximity. He also likes the idea of playing in warm weather during the season.
Their schedule. I like the places they play, Aiken said. We go to Phoenix, like, three times; California, Texas. Were all over. Im really looking forward to it.
Aiken, who led M-CHS at state the last two years with 11th and seventh-place 4A finishes, joins Brian Grubbs (Saint Peters (N.J.)) and Chris Black (Trinidad State) to earn golf scholarships within the last two years.
It shows that we got a good program here, Aiken said. It shows that we got a good foundation. It shows we got a really good program and says a lot about our coaches.
Aiken was named first-team All-Western Slope League for helping the Panthers win their second straight regional title. His senior season started slow, but Aiken broke through with a tournament win at Pagosa Springs on Aug. 25. The senior captain was strong from there, as M-CHS made it back to the 4A state tournament for a second consecutive year.
He was a great leader for our team, M-CHS coach Micah Rudosky said. He helped out the younger kids coming up. He was a pleasure to coach. He always did what you asked him to do, he worked hard, just worked hard at his game. Hes just an ideal player for a coach. I really enjoy coaching these kids and its sure nice seeing them do well.
CMU is coached by Paul Brown and the program will begin just its fourth season. Aiken likes the opportunity of helping build up the Mavericks team.
I went up on a unofficial visit around the end of October, Aiken said. The coach showed me around the rec center facilities and the campus. I really hit it off with the coach. I like his coaching philosophy. I think it will be a good fit. I like the campus.
Rudosky, too, feels Aiken is a great fit for a youthful CMU squad.
I think Chris will do real well there, he said. Theyre getting their golf program going. They have a good coach there. There is some great potential there for him (Aiken). Im excited for Chris for what hes doing and that hes going there.
Aiken will major in finance and plans to possibly earn a masters degree or go to law school. He is also keeping a career in golf in mind.
It would always be great to be a golf pro, Aiken said. Well just kind of see what it leads to. Ive definitely thought about being a club pro, or teaching lessons. Its definitely crossed my mind.
Chris is the son of Doug and Kristy Aiken.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.