Friday, May. 16, 2008

Junior golfer makes cut for NorCal tourney championship

Los Banos' Bobby Park ties for third at Masters Tourney

For the first time in Los Baños High School history, the Tigers will send one of their golfers to compete in the California Interscholastic Federation NorCal Championships.

And junior linkster Bobby Park said he couldn't be happier after totaling a 76 at the Stevinson Ranch golf course on Tuesday.

"I'm really excited and looking forward to going," Park said of the upcoming championships.

Park was able to make it to the Masters Tournament in the 2007 season, yet, "I didn't even come close to making it the NorCal Championships," he said.

This year, Park said he worked much harder to get better at his game, and said he owed much his improvement to his coach Dustin Caropreso.

"I've improved a lot over the last year," Park said. "Everything has been going right this season."

In the Masters Tournament, the top three teams and the top four individuals not on those teams are set to advance to Monday's championship round in Richmond.

"We played all 18 holes on the course," coach Dustin Caropreso said. "And Bobby (Park) tied for third at 76."

One thing Park said he plans to work on prior to competing in the championships is his putting.

"Everyone can get on the green," Park said. "But what makes the difference is putting."

Attending the State Championships on June 3 is Park's goal for this season, as well as next, since he plans on returning to the team in the 2009 season.

"You've gotta dream big," Park said.

Caropreso said he is truly ecstatic about Park making it to the NorCal Championships.

"My heart was pounding when we were waiting to find out if Bobby (Park) had made it," Caropreso said. "I think I was more nervous than he was."

Since Caropreso and Park will be making their way to Richmond for the championships over the weekend, the are going miss the Varsity Sports Banquet and Dinner at the high school.

"That's ok," Caropreso said. "I'll miss the banquet to go to this tournament."

Los Baños is slowing becoming more aware of it's students' talents on the golf course, Caropreso said, which makes him happy for those who want to continue participating in the sport.

"Los Baños is continuing to get kids who want to keep playing golf," Caropreso said. "And that's exciting," for the future of making the town more oriented for golf.

"This is by far the funnest year I've had coaching, out of all the sports and years I've coached," Caropreso said of the golf team's successful season.

"I've had the best time," he said. "And to get a kid to go this tournament; that speaks wonders."

Enterprise reporter Samantha Salas can be reached by phone at (209)388-6562 or by e-mail at ssalas@losbanosenterprise.com

Enterprise reporter Samantha Salas can be reached by phone at (209)388-6562 or by e-mail at ssalas@losbanosenterprise.com