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PCHS boys’ golf shoots for ninth-straight title

Park Citys Jack Hanskat lines up a putt during last years 3A state championship golf match at Soldier Hollow.
Park Record File Photo
PCHS Boys’ Golf Schedule Wednesday, Aug. 17 -- at Tooele -- 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 -- at Grantsville -- 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 -- at Park City -- 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7 -- at Stansbury -- 9 a.m. Friday/Saturday, Sept. 9-10 -- at Antiqua Invitational -- TBA Thursday, Sept. 15 -- at Park City -- 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20 -- Region 10 Championship -- 9 a.m. Wednesday/Thursday, Oct. 5-6 -- 3A State Championship -- TBA

Any conversation about the Park City High School boys’ golf team quickly turns to the streak.

The Miners have won eight-straight state championships, but winning a ninth won’t be an easy task.

The team lost longtime leaders Mitchell Schow and Drew Fleming to graduation and will now rely on two new senior leaders, surrounded by a core of young golfers, to get the job done in 2016.

Though Fleming and Schow will certainly be missed, Coach George Murphy said the Miners do return a number of experienced golfers to the team.

“We actually have five kids who played at state last year and are returning with experience,” he said. “And they all played well and shot 75 or 76 both days. I don’t know if we’ve ever had that much depth at state.”

Seniors Josh Lansky and Cole Lee and junior Jack Hanskat make up the core of the team, but the Miners have talent at the underclassman level, too.

“[Sophomore] Dean Tsandes is starting the year at No. 1,” Murphy said. “He played a lot of tournament golf in California this summer. He’s excited for the season and is playing well.”

The Miners will also have freshmen Eli Kimche, Ryan Wright and Parker Cutt and sophomore Jack Wright vying for varsity positions. Murphy said anything could happen between now and when he has to pick his top six players for the state tournament.

“We’ll wait to see who steps up and takes the top couple spots and really leads this team,” he said. “We’ve got some young kids and we’ve got some juniors and seniors looking to make a name for themselves. That’s not a bad situation to have. We’ve got some good players and some good talent. Even though we’re going to miss [Schow and Fleming], we’re excited to see what we can do.”

As Park City works toward the 3A state tournament at Soldier Hollow in early October, Murphy said he’s trying to keep the focus on having a great 2016 season and not worrying about the streak of eight straight state championships.

“There’s no pressure,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens. I just want them to enjoy it and play solid golf. I don’t think I’ve mentioned one time to them in the last three weeks anything about the streak.”

That said, Murphy has seen determination from this year’s team. He said they are excited for the opportunity to extend the title streak to nine.

“They set that bar pretty high and they’re up for the challenge,” he said. “They want to keep this going. They’re very motivated and playing well, too.”

The Miners’ first home match of the season is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 1, at Park City Golf Course.


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