Eaton High School golf team places fourth scoring a total of 475

By Devan McKenney

Peter Grossenbacher took tenth place at state leading the Eaton boys golf team to a fourth-place win. The 2016 golf State Championship took place at Eagle Ranch Club on both Sept. 25-26. Eaton’s scored 235 and 240 (475 total) making them what coach Gino Maio said was the highest placing public school.

The boys were four strokes from taking third place and beating Alexander Dawson private school. Kent Denver scored a 445 and Peak to Peak scored a 448 making them the two top placers. Coach Maio was proud of his team but said he had hoped for more.

The team’s goal this year, Maio said, was to place in the top three. “For me–I wanted to do better than last year, and we had a chance at third place, so I’m a little disappointed there,” Maio said. “Most teams in the state, going in, would take fourth place because a lot of teams don’t even get the chance to be there. We took fourth place last year, too, but we won a lot of tournaments this year.”

Maio then turned his focus on team captain, Peter Grossenbacher (19) saying, “Pete this year took top-10 which is really good. When you finish top ten in the state they are almost already recognized as all-state players.”

Maio said overall this was a great season. He is also hopeful for next year. He believes Grossenbacher and Ethan Alcazar (18) will only get better. Alcazar finished 17 at state making him Eaton’s second best placer.

Grossenbacher said he enjoyed being with this year’s seniors and close friends at the tournament. He said, “None of us played how we wanted to, but we battled hard all season. With many wins and tough losses, we grew as a team tremendously.”

Overall the golf team was proud but not satisfied. Maio is excited to see what freshmen Walker Scott (20) can do next year on varsity. Scott participated in a few varsity tournaments this year but did not compete at state.