The Lady Cards Are State Champs

Two years ago when I first met coach Bob Jorgensen he was very excited about the future of Soda Springs golf.  He expected great things to happen and specifically told me that he expected the girls' team to be real contenders for a state title over the next two to three years.  Well here we are two years later and his words seem to have been prophetic.  Last week the Lady Cardinals entered the state tournament at the Scotch Pines Golf Course in Payette as one of the favorites to contend for the title.  I asked Coach Jorgensen if he knew how good of a position the girls were in going into state and he enthusiastically responded, “I truly knew the girls were playing well all season encouraging each other to get better along the way!”  As for the tournament itself Coach Jorgensen stated, “These girls played their hearts out for two solid days with the added pressure of having the lead after day one. They were able to grind it out with some very tough competition and finish with three out of our five girls in the top ten!”  Kale Hopkins who entered the tournament as the number five golfer for the Lady Cardinals surprised everyone with a ninth place finish.  Joining her in the top ten was Tara Vedder who finished seventh and the top golfer for Soda Springs Jayden Parker who placed third overall.  

Jayden spoke about this year's team, “We knew we had a good shot at state, especially bringing everyone back from last year's team. Momentum just continued to build as the season progressed and the wins piled up.”  Jayden went on to say, “the team dynamic was full of laughter and friendship. We all just get along so well together, both the boys and girls teams.”  After building a large lead on day one of the state tournament we asked Jayden what was the message from the coaches going into the final day.  “They told us to just continue to be ourselves and be there for each other. Don't get too high or too low.”  The Lady Cardinals kept their composure through that final round and earned a dominant state title.  After winning the title Jayden said, “Every high school kid wants to be a state champion. I’m so happy to have achieved one of my goals.” Jayden also thanked all of her coaches, Bob, Chris, Jeff and Connie.  She added “My dad has been my personal coach my entire life. He’s taught me more about golf than anyone.”

We don't want to overlook the boys team who competed at state as well.  After the first day at state the boys were just outside of trophy position in fifth place but they rallied on day two and were able to finish in fourth place and bring home a trophy.  Coach Jorgensen praised the boys team, “I am very proud of these boys and the journey they made over the last four years as most of them are seniors. We knew this was it for them. The last hurrah!”  Going into that second day at state Jorgensen said, “We just encouraged each of them to play one hole at a time and give it their all, but most importantly to take it all in and enjoy the moments along the way.”  Jorgensen also spoke for all the coaches when he said, “We are very proud to have been associated with both teams and have them represent their school and community.”

On a final note Jorgensen said, “The escorted return trip through town Wednesday afternoon was one of the most memorable things for me to witness. I loved it! So I would like to thank the community and those that made that possible.”