On May 6, the Gabrielino High School boys golf team competed in the Division 7 CIF Championship at the El Prado golf course, winning with a score of 416. The team is the first boys golf team to win CIF in Gabrielino history, beating Redlands Adventist Academy, 416-432, and Arlington High School, 416-441.
The Eagles credit their success to the addition of newer players. As more experienced players have joined, the boys golf team has become more well rounded and competitive overall.
“The new freshman, Ethan Kwan, is really good,” stated Ethan Tang, sophomore. “He’s been helping out the other players a lot, and it’s definitely been a morale and skill boost.”
New and more experienced players are only one reason for the team’s stronger performance. The boys also attribute the CIF victory to improved team chemistry.
“Our team is a lot closer than in previous years. Before, it felt like we were just teammates, but now we go out after every game, and it’s helped us become much closer and communicative,” said Aidan Banh, junior. “Coach Swanson said that we are one of the best teams he has had in his ten years of coaching, and to me, that’s incredible.”
For seniors, the CIF victory is especially important, as this season was their last opportunity to compete.
“Since it was the last CIF game (for seniors), we wanted to end it with a boom,” explained captain Benjamin Ta, senior. “Many of us went the extra mile by going to the course ahead of time […] we all worked hard and expected to win, even though we would have been the first ever for boys golf at Gabrielino.”
On April 30, Gabrielino competed in the Rio Hondo golf league preliminaries at Marshall Canyon golf course. The boys placed fifth overall, with a score of 437.
Though freshman Ethan Kwan was the only player to advance to the finals, the team’s underclassmen hope to apply what they’ve learned from competing in the preliminary rounds to the next season.
“I feel like I can take away many things for next season,” shared Banh. “I’ve learned not to let my emotions control me during games or affect my performance, and I hope to go farther next season.”
Representing Gabrielino, Kwan competed in the Rio Hondo League Finals on May 1 at Brookside Golf Course. He placed fourth with an overall score of 76.
“I was really happy when I figured out I advanced. I practiced almost every day, and seeing it pay off was rewarding,” said Kwan with a smile. “For me, this season was an adjustment, and all about getting used to the structure of the team. I’m proud of myself, but there’s definitely room for improvement, and I plan to go further next year.”
With more experienced players and boys golf first ever CIF victory this season, the team shows a promising future.
“I’m excited to see everyone continuing next year improve,” shared Tang enthusiastically. “It’s sad since we’re losing three of our seniors, but I look forward to getting closer with the rest of the team and advancing even further next year.”
