Boys cap outstanding season with fourth-place finish; Grossenbacher feels sting of defeat

On the first day of state, Peter Grossenbacher (19) led the 3A tournament in first place, playing what he and is coach both felt was his best game of golf to date. But in a heartbreaking second day Grossenbacher fell back and took 10th as an individual and the Reds took fourth as a team. Eaton sent four boys to the 3A State Championship tournament at the Boulder Country Club Oct. 1-2: seniors Grossenbacher and Logan Hoffner, and juniors Walker Scott and Bryce Leafgren.

Grossenbacher said, “The first day of state was the best round of my life, and I felt like very much in control; unfortunately the second day I lost my swing on the back 9, and the feeling of having a state championship in my hands was very foreign. Overall a great learning experience, and an unforgettable time with my team and Coach Maio.”

Head coach Gino Maio said, “Peter finished all-state again for the third time in a row. Walker and Bryce both improved quite a bit their second day, but did not play that well their first day.”

On the first day of the tournament, Eaton scored a total of 235 points be- tween the four varsity players. The team scored 237 points the second day, which added 52 total points to their daily average.

Scott, who scored 81 points the first day and 75 the second day, said, “I was really sad my first day, walking off the course because I knew I didn’t play to the best of my potential. After watching Peter play super good that first day, it cheered me up and motivated as I headed into the second day. The second day I played a lot better. I didn’t let my emotions play into it.”

Maio said, overall, state went well, although they had been hoping for a higher finish this year. “We had a lot of fun. We went in hoping to take third place. We took fourth, but overall we had a great season. This is our fourth straight fourth-place, which is still a great accomplishment.

The golf team not only took a banner home from state, but they reclaimed the NOCO tournament traveling trophy, and took home the Patriot League Champion award. Logan Hoffner (19) said, “Once again, I spent time with lifelong friends, and really cemented our friendship through high school golf. We have gotten fourth place the past four years, so it’s awe- some because like how many teams can say that they’ve had a consistently good program like that.”

Next year, Scott and Leafgren have some big shoes to fill. Leafgren said, “I’m really going to miss our seniors from this year, but we still will have a fun time. Next year, Walker and I should be pretty good. We are both hoping for some top ten finishes at state.”

Grossenbacher places in tie for 4th at state golf tournament