PHOTOS: JD Humburg | For The Oregonian/Oregon Live
PHOTOS: JD Humburg | For The Oregonian/Oregon Live
On Tuesday evening, the Jesuit women's and men's golf teams accomplished something that hasn't been done in more than four decades: The teams swept the big-school state golf tournament taking home two 6A titles. The last time that happened was in 1972 when competitor Lake Oswego cinched wins for both their women's and men's teams.
The Jesuit boys team won by a whopping 58 strokes, one of the highest leads in tournament history. To top it off, the Crusader men had four of the top five individual players with freshman Brody Marconi and sophomore Andrew Reinhardt tying for second place, sophomore Johnny Ward taking fourth, and senior Samir Dutta coming in the fifth spot.
"This team had tremendous chemistry and really pushed each other to play at their best every day. This was the most consistent scoring team I have had in my 22 years at Jesuit," said head men's coach Jay Minsker, who has led the men's team to seven state titles during his coaching tenure and was named the 2016-17 Oregon Golf Coach of the Year. "These boys have represented our school, the Jesuit community, and themselves in the highest regard. I'm honored to be their coach."
On Tuesday evening just down the road, the Jesuit women's team secured their first state victory since back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005. The Crusader women beat runner up Westview by nine strokes, setting a course record for Trysting Tree Golf Club. The Jesuit girls had three individual top ten finishers and All-State players, including junior Tabetha King in fourth place, sophomore Mary Scott Wolfe in sixth, and junior Clara Ganz coming in the eighth spot.
"We worked really hard for this," said Kang to the Oregonian. "We've been building up to this moment. It feels great to be with my team and to bring the title home."Varsity head women's coach Katy Williams was a guiding force behind Tuesday's victory. "Katy is more than a coach, she is also a teacher, leader, cheerleader, inspirer, and godmother to our girls," says Jesuit Principal Paul Hogan.
"I have always felt that it is privilege to have the support and faith of Jesuit High School," says Williams, whose brothers Pat Becker Jr. '84 and John Becker '86 attended Jesuit during the school's all-boys era. "It is a privilege to be able to teach and learn from these young student-athletes year after year!"
Williams and Minsker will be honored at the annual Oregon Athletic Coaches Association Awards Banquet on Saturday, May 19.
Congratulations to all of our hardworking student-athletes, dedicated coaches, and supportive parents! AMDG