Golf team wins 3rd consecutive State title

The Independence golf team won the 2022 State Championship Oct. 11, at Harrisonburg Heritage Oak Golf Course. The team was able to shoot a combined total score of 287, leaving their main competitors, Riverside, trailing behind.

The Tigers had a successful season this year, being regular season Co-District Champions, winning second in Districts, and placing first in both Regionals and States. 

Junior Byron Millet stated, “The process to States was a lot more competitive this season.” Sophomore Keya Naik added, “We lost three of our seniors that were our top six, and it has definitely impacted our team a little bit this season.” The team had to bid farewell to three of their seniors last year, who have moved on to play D1 golf at their respective colleges. 

However, Naik stated, “I think we are holding out pretty well because we have pretty good golfers and a solid team.” Throughout their season, leading up to their State title, the Tigers gave it their all in each and every match played. 

At the George Pavlis Golf Tournament, the Tigers were able to place second overall. Just two days later, they played against Briar Woods and defeated them, scoring a total of 147. The team took another win at the Don Roth Warhawk Invitational Golf Tournament for the second year in a row. 

The Tigers then headed to regionals where conditions were a bit rough, as Naik said “It was very, very windy.” However, the team performed well and placed first, winning by around 18 shots and scoring a total 292. 

After the team captured their fourth Regional Championship on Oct. 3, they finally went to States and took home their third Class 5 State Championship win in four years. 

Following the State Title win, Millet reflected on his favorite memory of the season, saying, “It was when I got my first eagle during the States practice round.” He also detailed how golf impacted his life by “giving me the experience of competition because a lot can happen in the spur of the moment and it’s exhilarating.”

Naik exclaimed over her first States win last year. She said, “the idea of winning States, especially as a freshman, was really exciting.” Naik has six years of golf experience and hopes to play at the division one collegiate level.

The Tigers will celebrate their win at a team banquet with well-deserved amazing food and company. Great job, Tigers.