Picard wins berth in CCS golf championships
By Dick Sparrer
Brent Picard of Westmont fired a four-over par 74 to tie for fourth place overall at the Blossom Valley Athletic League golf championships held last week at the Spring Valley Golf Course in Milpitas.
Picard, a junior, was the defending champion in the tournament, but finished seven strokes off the pace this spring. Still, he qualified for the Central Coast Section (CCS) tournament with a solid showing at the finals. The CCS tourney is set for May 7 at Rancho Cañada.
Picard and seniors Casey Cripe and Connor McDonald had each shot 40s a week earlier to lead the Warriors to a 205-218 upset win over Piedmont Hills in a Mt. Hamilton Division match at the tough Coyote Creek tournament course.
Juniors Elliot Danforth, 42, and Colin Davis, 43, also recorded strong rounds against the Pirates.
The win helped Westmont finish the league season with a 7-7 record. It marked the final year for head coach Dave Cripe, who will step down after eight seasons as the Warriors' boss.
"It's been an enjoyable experience coaching such fine young people over the years," said Cripe, who was also able to coach both his sons, Tyler and Casey.
Greg McDonald and Steve Hosack will take over the coaching reins for the Warriors next spring.
Senior Nathan Cook, juniors Michael Bottenberg and Chris Savage and sophomore Daniel Reese were other varsity players at Westmont this season. Playing for the junior varsity were Carrie Murray, Jessica Trainor, Evan Verdoia and Matt Hosack.
Campbell, California
