The WJ golf team broke a 22-year-old school scoring record in their match on Oct. 1, defeating Rockville, Damascus and Quince Orchard and solidifying their entry into the state championship.
This feat was achieved through the breakout performance of four key players; senior co-captain Connor Kim, junior co-captain Paul Gomes, junior Daniel Kim and freshman Ryan Kim. The players attained a score of 148 strokes during their match at Needwood Golf Course, two less than the previous record, which was set in 2002.
“Coach Wheeler told us the second it happened, so we were all pretty excited. A lot of people had lower expectations for us this year, so to show that we’re still able to compete and even break records was cool,” senior Connor Kim said.
The team’s determination and consistent effort was crucial to their success. Despite a collective rough patch in the days leading up to the match, the golfers managed to stay motivated to play at their best.
“We were all very determined to play well that day given the fact that a couple of our players had been in a slump for a couple days. Ryan, Paul and Connor brought the score down despite some tough conditions. Noah [Prevost] and Owen [Struzziero] also played really well,” junior Daniel Kim said.
The record comes after a dominant 17-1 season, with the team winning their division title and placing 3rd in the district championship. Teamwork was another important factor in their accomplishments throughout the season, as well as their recent record-breaking performance.
“All our guys are super hard workers, we practice like crazy and love the game. I think overall our success was bound to happen because of how well we work together. This is one of the most fun teams I’ve ever been on,” Connor Kim said.
The record holds significant meaning for younger and older players alike. Each golfer has put years of effort into the game, including freshman Ryan Kim, a newcomer to the team with six years of pre-high school experience.
“We all shot in the 30’s, around 36 to 38, [so] it’s an accomplishment. I want to play golf for the rest of my life, so it’s a good start,” freshman Ryan Kim said.
For some players, breaking the record is not only a mark of improvement, but a renewal of optimism before the state championship. Players have set high goals for themselves and the team as a whole as they head into the season’s final stretch.
“I didn’t play so great last year, but I’ve really been improving this year and helping to break that record was really cool. I think we can at least place top five. We’re all going to play well, I truly believe that,” Connor Kim said.
