40 OCTOBER 2023 By Mallory Gleich August means a few things for students in Arcadia: school is back in session, schedules are back in place, and high school sports are kicking off with gusto. We spoke to Arcadia High, Veritas, Xavier and Brophy Prep to find out what our area golf teams are excited about in a season that runs until November 1. ARCADIA The Titans first golf match happened in mid-August against Coronado High. Coach Stephen Danford said he was proud of the boys’ team’s ‘kick-off’ invitational. “This year, we play 14 matches, including tournaments,” Danford said. “Our first match went well – everyone on the team played great.” This season, the main focus for making it to a championship is consistency and competing at the top every week. Danford said this season’s team is thriving in its leadership skills. “Our returning players are great examples of being a student-athlete on and off campus and within our community,” he said. “We need to work on being consistent, though. We have a young team, and getting them course time and experience will be a key to our success.” The Titans practice at Arizona Country Club and are working on basic golf skills, course management and club selection to prepare for upcoming matches and tournaments. The boys’ team currently has 11 state championships and is working toward another while competing and growing. “I’m really looking forward to my senior year, playing well and helping the younger guys develop into great players to continue the Titan tradition of successful boys’ golf,” junior Ian Christoffersen said. BROPHY PREP The Broncos had 34 players try out for this year’s team, with nine matches and five tournaments on the schedule. With nine state championships under their belts, the team looks to build on the strengths of its players and bring home another win. “This year’s goals include playing good team golf and doing so with character and integrity,” Coach Jon Shores said. “We have strong junior and senior leaders, both on and off the course.” In August, Brophy overcame a six-shot deficit late in the second round to win the Brophy Rodeo National High School Golf Invitational for the second consecutive season. Senior Tyler Spielman delivered the highlight moment on the final shot of the tournament, landing a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th to take medalist honors. Spielman, the number one-ranked player in the PGA National High School rankings as a junior and the reigning Arizona State champion, was the first-round leader after a six-under-par 66. Brophy won the team title by two strokes over Hamilton in the first match of the season. “That was a great start, and I am excited for the team,” Tyler said. “We have a new team and came out and proved we will be contenders again this year. We have a solid five players, and it was cool to win the Brophy Rodeo title.” VERITAS PREP The Falcons boast two golf teams (middle school and high school), which Athletic Director Chase Beebe says helps with athletics’ success and continued growth at Veritas Prep. The high school program will begin in early February, as Veritas golf is considered a spring sport, with around 10 matches played in the regular season. “Our main focus for this season is to continue developing our players’ skillsets and characters. We want to help our athletes build both the mental and physical strength to compete at a championship level,” Beebe said. “The goal every season is to develop our athletes into better young adults while aiming for a championship.” Beebe also said the middle school program is solid and competitive, with a few golfers who could compete at the high school level. “We’re excited for the continued growth of our program. At the high school level, many athletes come out for golf. The athletes compete against one another, which builds stronger golfers,” he said. Team camaraderie is one of the group’s strongest suits, as the athletes positively encourage each other while continuously pushing one another to strive for excellence. This year, the team’s goals are strengthening their virtue, reserve, and skillsets. The Falcons haven’t won a championship yet, but Beebe – who is in his first year as athletic director – said that all student golfers hope to change that statistic in the coming season. For now, though, they’re excited to compete. XAVIER PREP Xavier’s award-winning coach, Sister Lynn Winsor, stepped down as head of the golf team and handed the reigns to Tui Selvaratnam this season. The Gators will play 10 matches and four invitationals against schools like Perry, Hamilton and Basha High. “Our main focus this season regarding the championships is to work on each player’s game and improve as the season progresses. We want to be ready for State,” Coach Selvaratnam said. Practices focus on different drills that help with putting, chipping and long game. According to the coach, this year’s Gators have depth and a great group of seniors to lead the team. “We have 37 State Championships, but in golf, you have to work on all aspects of the game all the time,” Coach Selvaratnam said. In the first match of 2023, Xavier won against Chandler and Sunnyslope High Schools. “Our ultimate goals are to bond as a team, win all the matches and make it to the State Championship,” Coach Selvaratnam said. Xavier’s final season matches are October 2 against Horizon High and October 3 against Mountain Ridge. Greens, goals and having a good time Brophy’s Evan Tyree, Matthew Polachek, Tyler Moore, Adone Panatonni, Dylan Boenning, Henry Dall, Asher Nelson, Tyler Spielman, Jack Abraham, Nathan Ash. (back) Kyla Layman, Asst. Coach Jane Ladensack, Asst. Coach Sister Lynn Winsor, Head Coach Tui Selvaratnam and Karter Nannen. (middle) Natalia Lamadrid, Sophie Pebanito-Brooks, Grace Rubelsky, Ellie Von Kolan, Alexis Lamadrid and Isabella Piazza. (front) Kalyn Doss, Carrie Doss, Lena Durette, Aanvi Goel and Reimi Bleyl. COURTESY OF TUI SELVARATNAM COURTESY OF STEVE SHAFF