By CHARLES HUIRAS
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
Westfield boys’ golf is looking to build off of last year’s state championship, and the senior trio of Ryan Cesare, Mitchell Keene, and Hudson Kutchma all lead the Shamrocks.
Westfield has built one of the most successful golf programs in the state. The Rocks had finished as state runners-up in the three years before last season’s championship.
The Westfield boys golf team credits team camaraderie with its success over the past few years, including last season’s state championship. (Photo courtesy WISH-TV)
Not only did the Shamrocks win last year’s state title, but Westfield won in record fashion. The Rocks totaled both the lowest overall team score and the largest margin of victory in state finals history.
The Rocks are currently ranked as the third-best team in the state, and Cesare has enjoyed every second of being a part of Westfield’s golf program.
“It’s unreal,” Cesare said. “Just looking back on all the great memories we’ve had as a team and all the success that starts with the coach, Coach Bryant. All the credit goes to him, and the program that he’s built is something special. I’m excited for what’s to come with the rest of the season.”
To reach the IHSAA boys’ golf state championship in four consecutive years, team camaraderie plays a big part. Cesare shared the bond his teammates and he have created over the years.
“We’ve got some great leaders on the team, seniors, just growing up together,” Cesare said. “I think it just starts from there, it’s just the bond of the team. We can pass it down to the younger freshmen and the younger underclassmen on the team.”
Senior leader Hudson Kutchma also added how special the team’s chemistry is.
“Team chemistry is really, really good,” Kutchma said. “I think it’s one of the best in the state. The younger guys really look up towards us, which we all want. We just kind of do our own thing. The freshmen and sophomores kind of just follow what we do.”
Other Westfield senior Mitchell Keene shared how the team’s experience can play a role in making another deep postseason run.
“All of our games are starting to come together really nice,” Keene said. “We have a lot of experience, and a lot of us have already played in state. It helps us to know that no tournament’s too big. We can always come out there and play good. The pressure, we don’t really have to deal with it, because we’ve felt it before.”
Westfield’s sectional begins on June 8 in Lebanon, Indiana, at Ulen Country Club.
This story originally appeared on WISH-TV at wishtv.com/sports/athlete-of-the-week-westfield-senior-golfer-ryan-cesare/