LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Multiple Tahoe high schools closed the golf season by adding hardware to their winning collections after the state championships on Oct. 13-14.
Facing cold, wintry conditions, Truckee High School took second place, behind Boulder City, in the 3A division at Ruby View Golf Course in Elko, Nev.
Truckee junior Allison Mortimeyer led the effort, winning the individual championship (72-76). Truckee seniors Maddie Harper (104-106), Maya Fernandes (114-98), and Grace Robinette (114-116) wrapped up their final season at the tournament. Freshman Skye Winter (107-107) and Sophomore Avery McGargill (108-113) plan to return next season with Mortimeyer, hoping to win the team championship.
The Truckee team delivered strong performances all season, winning every regular-season tournament. Mortimeyer also earned individual medals at each league tournament.
“This season, the girls put in a lot of time and effort,” coach Marc Smith said. “I think when looking back, they won’t remember what they shot, but they will appreciate the friendships and memories they have made with their teammates, as well as developing a solid foundation and love for the game of golf.”
It was the first time in two decades that George Whittell High School qualified for state championships. Whittell competed in the 2A division at Jackpot Golf Course in Jackpot, Nev., a challenging course 5,500 yards longer than most courses played during the regular season.
Tournament play didn’t start until 1 p.m. the first day due to overnight snow, which also kept players from their practice rounds the day prior. Most played the tournament without prior course experience.
In their return to state play, Whittell placed third in the team play, behind Sierra Lutheran (first) and Oasis Academy (second). Whittell junior Emma Stewart (103-101) placed sixth and was their highest-ranked individual.
North Tahoe High School’s Sofia Spero (98-100) placed fourth in the 2A individual competition. The freshman’s accomplishment marks the ninth consecutive year NTHS has had an individual state medalist. She recorded an impressive first season, finishing in the top four or better every regular tournament this season.
“It was a mental battle out there for Sofia. I know she didn’t feel she played her best, but she stuck with it and didn’t give up on her rounds. She showed a lot of mental toughness and golf maturity out there; I am super proud of her,” coach Kirsten Harris said.
Local coaches attribute the golf success in past years to local golf opportunities in Tahoe, including the Truckee Tahoe Junior Golf Tour (TTJGT), which coaches Smith and Harris, along with Doug Flynn, help organize.
“The tournament experience gained through this tour is really starting to pay off as we see TTJGT Alums excelling at the High School level,” Harris said, pointing to Spero and Mortimeyer, who have competed on the tour for many seasons.
