Despite the challenges of returning to sports this year, the SDJA Golf team has made history and for the first time won Pacific League Champions! Adding 3 new freshman to the team Andrew Abeles, David Feigenbaum and Teddy Diamond was a wealth of talent to the already focused and driven upperclassmen. Coach Patrick Hagerman says when looking at the team at the beginning of the season,
"We had a strong team returning with 2 year captain Devin Marcus (Sr.) as well as juniors Josh Posnock and Sam Trackman. But the catalyst for the program was adding key freshman and sophomore players like Abeles, Feigenbaum and Cohen."
The team has proven to work hard and be successful but have also had a lot fun working toward their goals. As part of a team goal incentive to score 225 or lower, Coach Hagerman said the team could cut his hair into a mullet!! They did reach that goal and at lunch, with scizzors and clippers in hand, they buzzed off Coach Hagerman's hair- as a team! They also got time to bond and grow as team in the van rides and preparing for matches- Abeles said, "In the van rides to the matches I try to talk to my friends and focus on other things other than golf. But once I step on the tee its time to focus up."
There are so many things that go into a championship season but the one word Coach Hagerman uses to descibe what it takes is - CONSISTENCY.
"Consistency. Those guys that were mentioned put up great scores week after week. But the rest of the roster from match to match was a collection of golfers who were ready to go whenever needed."
Andrew Abales who consistantly picks up the Low Medalist in matches says, "It feels amazing to be part of a successful team as a freshman. It took a lot to become League Champions but we needed every one individual to reach this point." and "There are so many things I can say about this team. I feel like I am surrounded by a great group of guys that push me to go harder and become better each day. I am greatful that I have had a chance to be a part of the team."
Senior Devin Marcus says, "It was the best way to end my time here at the Jewish Academy, with an amazing team."
Not only have they won Pacific League Champions but at the CIF Individuals Tournament 3 of our guys finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th, awarding them ALL Pacific League Individual Awards!!
2nd Place- Andrew Abeles, Freshman (76)
3rd Place- Josh Posnock, Junior (80)
4th Place- Jonathan Cohen, Sophmore (81)
Wrapping up the season, Coach Hagerman adds, "This is the best team I've had the chance to work with. From top to bottom, each guy put in the work to get better and we were able to have a historic year. I'm looking forward to a bright future."
They have a Play-In match versus Santa Fe Christian on June 1st to qualify for the CIF Championships on June 7th! Congratulations SDJA Golf and keep up the hard work!