The 2024 Stevens Boys Golf season is in the books. This season could best be described as a season of growth. The season was filled with positive memories on and off the course. The team’s commitment to hard work showed through their improved scores throughout the season.
From the first tee to the last putt these athletes showed exceptional talent, work ethic, and sportsmanship. The season has been filled with some nail-biting tournaments and low scores. On
the course, the Stevens boys golf team experienced a lot of success while overcoming multiple obstacles. This article highlights the season’s high points, discusses the difficulties the team faced, and honors the moments that made the Stevens boys golf year a success.
The Raider golfers had some awesome achievements this season. Several golfers shot season lows. Cole Jansen shot a 69 in Watertown at Cattail Crossing. He is the only player to shoot in the 60’s this year. Max Phares shot a season best 72 at Willow Run in Sioux Falls. Colby Wit said, “My favorite part of the season was when I had my High School career low 78 in Huron at Broadland Creek.” Coach Rotella shared, “I thought the season went really well.
When you compare our average team score from last year, we improved by over 10 strokes. As a coach, I am always happy to see our team improve from one year to the next. In addition to our final scores, I also noticed this team seemed to mesh really well. Whether it was in a hotel room, at a restaurant, or on the course our team was always positive and tried to pick each other
up throughout the entire season.” Max Phares, Colby Wit, and Jameson Neumann were also excited about their first-place scramble finish at Sturgis to finish the regular season. This season was not without its challenges. Coach Rotella said, “Two come to mind. First off, it was challenging how much better the entire state of South Dakota got in golf. I mentioned earlier that we were 10 strokes better this year than last year, but last year we got 9th and this year we got 13th. Golf is an interesting game in the fact that you can’t play defense. We can just control how we play and hope that gets us to an acceptable finish. Second, it was challenging to have 50 kids out for the team with only two coaches. So, it was awesome when we were able to hire Coach Phares midway through the season to help a lot with managing our teams during practice each day”.
The Raiders were a young and inexperienced team. Max Phares was the only senior on the team. Many of the varsity players had limited varsity experience. They had to overcome nerves while competing against a higher level of competition. The team returned home from the State Tournament in Watertown with a 13th place finish. They competed hard and know they have a ton of room for improvement next year. Colby Wit added, “I feel the season went well and we improved throughout the season. We’re a young team and we are going to have bumps in the road, but we overcame them well. Jameson felt the season was a little rough. We had a few good tournaments, but state wasn’t our best performance.”
Even though this team did not come home with a championship trophy, they did make a ton of memories. Playing a high school sport is more than just winning tournaments. It is about creating relationships with teammates, coaches, and opponents. Sophomore Jameson Neumann stated, “My favorite part of the season was going on trips with my friends.” Max Phares played six seasons for the Raiders. “I have a ton of great memories and stories that I will remember for a long time.” Coach Rotella stated, “I think that the most memorable moment was when Cole Jansen, shot a 69 at Watertown. I went back and checked the records, and I believe that in 8 years I have been the coach, we have only had 1 other golfer shoot a round in the 60’s. It was awesome to see that happen again because it is a very rare moment”. Colby stated, “My most memorable part of the season was spending time with the boys in the hotel and on the bus. Also playing mini golf in the hotel hallway during our first tournament in Sioux Falls”. Jameson felt his favorite moment was on the course, “The most memorable part was when Max got a medal at the first tournament of the year”.
The Stevens boys golf team can look back and be proud of what they accomplished this season. This young team made amazing growth on and off the course. The progress they made this year will prepare them to compete at a higher-level next year. Even though the team didn’t bring home a trophy, they gained valuable experience for improvement on the links as well as in life. They faced some stiff competition this season from teams that were shooting team scores of seven under, six under, and five under. This experience lets them know what they need to do in the off season if they want to compete with the rest of the state. Overall, the Stevens boys golf team can hold their heads high and be proud of how the represented their school. Way to go boys!