To say the Trojan golf team went out on a high note would be an understatement. This year will be the last for the golf program at Trinidad State and this year’s Trojan squad made sure TSJC had saved the best for last. A dominant fall season, followed up by a strong finish to the spring, and the best showing ever at the National Tournament was a great way for these young men to show what Trojan pride is all about.
The Trojans started their Championship week at the National Golf Banquet in Newton, Kansas. At the awards ceremony Jake Ice was named to the 2015 All-American Golf Team. The sophomore from Greeley, Colorado was also named first team All-District. Joining Ice on the All-District team was Region IX player of the year Justin Carlock. For his outstanding work leading the Trojan team Coach Rich Holden was named District 1 Coach-of-the-Year. The award was voted on by his peers from District 1, which includes schools from Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado.
On Tuesday the Trojans took to the course and for a brief time, thanks to a fast start, were on top of the leader board. By the time the Trojans entered the clubhouse they were in tenth overall following a great combined round of 297. Frazer Pomfret played even all day and was in eleventh overall after day one.
Bad luck faced the Trojans on day two at Sand Creek Station Golf Course. The team teed off during a storm of wind and rain and played through the worst part of the day. Their overall score was 14 strokes worse than their first round but they still held onto tenth place. Ice moved up to 18th with a +3 after 36 holes.
The third day saw the team shoot better, finishing with a 302, but also saw them drop to 13th overall. The final round was another soggy one as the team had to wait out a rain delay early in their round. Trinidad shot a rain soaked 307 but managed to hold off a charging Pima CC team to claim the 13th spot in the nation. Indian Hills ended up claiming the overall team title.
By finishing 13th overall, the Trojans topped the highest finish ever by TSJC at the tournament, which was 19th in 2012. The 2012 team also held the record for lowest team score at the National Tournament with a 1262. This year’s Trojans smashed that record by 45 strokes.
Individually Jake Ice shot a +9, 297 to claim 24th in the nation. Frazer Pomfret ended up in 40th with a +15. Justin Carlock recovered from a slow start the first two rounds to finish in 48th with a +18. Justin Frederick finished in 73rd with a +28 and Carlos Sisneros was 79th with a +33.
Coach Holden was extremely proud of the effort his team gave in the face of the adversity they faced this spring. “Without a doubt these guys gave me the highlight of my Golf Coaching career. I wish everyone from Trinidad could have witnessed the way that they went about their business. All I can say is well done gentlemen, thanks for a great year.”