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High school boys golf: Ridgeline holds off late-charging Crimson Cliffs to capture 4A state golf championship

High school boys golf: Ridgeline holds off late-charging Crimson Cliffs to capture 4A state golf championship

16 hours ago7 min read0 comments

Under the capricious winds that swept across the fairways of Lakeside Golf Course, a narrative of youthful ambition and relentless pursuit unfolded, culminating in a triumph that was as much about mental fortitude as it was about technical skill. The Ridgeline Riverhawks, a decade-old institution nestled in the serene Cache Valley, managed to cling to a fragile dream, edging out the formidable Crimson Cliffs Mustangs from St.George by a mere two strokes to capture the 4A state golf championship. This victory, their second title in four years, was forged over two days of contrasting fortunes; a near-flawless opening round of 4-under 280 that built a crucial buffer, followed by a gritty, grinding 8-over 292 in the face of stiffer winds and devilish pin placements that tested every fiber of their composure.Coach Sam Lindley, his voice a mixture of pride and relief, pinpointed that initial surge as the decisive moment, the foundation upon which their championship was built. 'We got a pretty good run yesterday, got ahead of them a little bit, and then held them off today,' he reflected, acknowledging the ever-present threat posed by a Crimson Cliffs team known for its depth and talent.'We just knew that once we got that lead, we had to play pretty good golf to keep them away from us, and look how it turned out—we won by only two strokes. ' This razor-thin margin underscores the essence of high-stakes amateur sports, where a single errant drive or a missed putt can rewrite destinies, and where the pressure mounts not just from the competition, but from the weight of expectation and the desire to etch a name into school history.Amidst the team drama, however, burned the brilliant, singular flame of Crimson Cliffs senior Dylan Winona, who authored a masterclass in individual performance. With a stunning 65 on Wednesday followed by a steady 69 on Thursday, Winona claimed the medalist honors at a spectacular 8-under 134, a four-stroke victory that served as a crowning achievement for a player emerging from the shadows of past teammates now playing at the collegiate level.'I am so happy right now,' Winona beamed, the individual trophy a testament to years of dedication and the guidance of his coach, accomplished amateur Tommy Johnson. 'This means a lot to me and my family.I have always kind of been in the shadow of Boston Bracken and Lincoln Markham the first two years, so this means a lot. ' His victory, set against the backdrop of his team's narrow defeat, is a poignant reminder that in the arena of high school athletics, personal triumph and team heartbreak can coexist, each story valid and deeply felt.The tournament itself evolved into a compelling two-man race for the individual crown, with Ridgeline’s phenomenal freshman Beckham Skinner finishing a strong second at 4-under, a performance that signals the arrival of a new force and hints at the future contours of this burgeoning rivalry. Further down the leaderboard, the tie for third between Ridgeline sophomore Dallin Anderson and Crimson Cliffs senior Maverick Rhodes at even-par 142 showcased the depth of talent on both squads, while Park City’s rally from seventh to third proved the unpredictable nature of a two-day tournament where consistency is the ultimate currency.As the Riverhawks celebrated, their team a blend of seasoned seniors and precocious underclassmen, the looming graduation of seven key players casts a shadow of transition, yet also a beacon of hope with the promise of another standout golfer joining as a freshman next year. Coach Lindley’s prophetic words, 'I wouldn’t be surprised if we are back here with Crimson Cliffs all over again next year,' are not just a coach’s optimism but a recognition of a rivalry now firmly entrenched in Utah’s high school golf landscape. This championship was more than a trophy; it was a lesson in resilience, a showcase of emerging talent, and a chapter in an ongoing story of two schools, from opposite ends of the state, forever linked by the pursuit of excellence on the green.

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