Buckaroo golf coach offers thoughts and observations on a state championship for girls team

After having a few days to reflect and come to grips on what his teams had accomplished this season, Monticello Head Golf Coach Nathan Chamberlain offered some end-of-season observations in an email to the San Juan Record.
“[The State Championship] Match in all aspects of the day sums up the last four years with this group of seniors,” he began.
“There were times the sun would come out and everything would be going our way. Shots found the fairway, putts were dropping, and smiles could be seen on everyone’s faces.
“Then the clouds would appear and hail and rain would come down. We had matches where nothing went right. Attitudes, disappointment, tears, and frustration would appear. But like the weather it only lasted a short time and the sun would come back out.
“The girls played through some of the roughest weather conditions in four hours at the state tournament than they saw over the entire past few years.
“They never gave up on their goals individually and as a team. The best part of this team was just that – it’s a team. They were never just individuals playing for Monticello.
“All ten of the girls and nine boys played as Monticello High School golfers. To win as a team it takes a team. Throughout this season we had four individuals take their turn as the top scorer in at least one tournament.
“To me this shows how team-oriented and how close the girls are in scoring. I am so proud to be part of the culture we have built in Monticello girls golf.
“Thanks to the administration for supporting us in our travels and the coaches who put in time to teach the kids that golf is a game of luck, skill, persistence, honesty, and most important – integrity. They continue teaching that on and off the course.
“Thank you, parents for allowing us the opportunity to help teach life skills with a club in our hands. There are others who deserve thanks for sharing with us your facilities, time, and knowledge to shape the golfers in and around Monticello.
“On the boys side, Traken Lee, who has finished his Monticello golf career, was a great golfer, friend, and teammate to all.
“Traken spent many years perfecting his game to show his teammates what hard work can do. He showed resilience at the state tournament when his first shot on day one hit a tree 20 yards from the tee box and bounced back almost to the tee box.
“With that first hit and still 17 more tee shots to go he put that shot behind him and finished the day still in contention for a state medal.
“This group of boys has some talent and a few of them have already talked to me about next year. With some intentional practice and an improvement mindset, I am optimistic about our chances for next season.”