It’s no secret that the Harlingen High boys golf team has had a season to remember this year.
First, the Cardinals took first place in the RGVGCA 6A pre-regional tournament on Feb. 17-18 in San Antonio and, just recently, the Red Birds were crowned the District 32-6A champions after wining the tournament with a score of 598 – 51 strokes under their nearest opponent Weslaco High.
The score was the team’s lowest tournament total of the year.
“Well, the guys just came out ready to play,” said Harlingen head golf coach Chris Milligan after the district tourney. “They have played so well all year long but we all know that you have to show up and play well at the district tournament in order to claim the title and advance.
“We learned that harsh reality last year coming up just a few shots short at district after we dominated all year. This time the guys were ready to make their mark and make a statement that this title was theirs.”
Cole Charvat led the team with a two-day total of 144, shooting 73 on Day 1 and 71 on Day 2. Dylan Martinez shot a 147 total and just behind Martinez was John Ortega, who shot a 151.
The Valley Morning Star had an opportunity to speak to some of the players a while ago and ask some questions before the team heads off to the Region IV-6A tournament later this week.
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Cole Charvat —
Q: It’s your senior season. What are you going to miss the most from your high school career?
A: It’s hard to grasp the fact that these four amazing years of my life in high school golf are coming to an end. Through all of the ups and the downs, golf has persistently given me an excitement to challenge myself to become the best I can be. This attitude has contributed to my many successes and kept me striving for excellence after failure. The adrenaline in competition is an out-of-this-world experience, but those I have gotten to spend it with have made my experience priceless. Thanks to my coach, teammates and competitors. Y’all made it a grand time that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Q: When you look back, what is the most important accolade you’ve received?
A: With the exception of winning tournaments as a team and individual, I feel that the simple phrase “hard worker” has given me the fullest feeling one could ask for. My late grandfather, John Charvat, had a quote in which he said, ‘Only a mediocre person is always at his best.’ This quote is what I would like to think I abide by because a hard worker is gritty, relentless, a competitor and his most dangerous weapon is that he has nothing to lose.
Q: What was the best advice you were ever given?
A: My dad has been the “Yoda” of my golf game. He introduced me to the game and has actively watched me progress as a player. As my biggest supporter, he has also tried to put his spin on what he feels would be best for my game. My dad is a very good player and he simplifies my golf game. If he corrects something, it would be ball position, alignment, firing my hips through, following through, tempo or something that another good golfer could see as well. However, usually the errors he sees are the six inches between my ears as in my mental game. He has always been preaching to me that golf is more mental than physical ability and he is right.
Dylan Martinez —
Q: What accomplishment has given you the most satisfaction?
A: I think the best accomplishment that gives me the most satisfaction is being the best team in the Valley because it shows me that we worked hard to get to that spot and hopefully stay there for a good while.
Q: When did you first get interested in playing golf and why?
A: I got interested in golf when I was in 7th grade because I just thought it looked like a fun sport to try out and I ending up loving it.
Q: You’re a junior this season. What has been your biggest challenge up to now and how have you managed to overcome it?
A: I think the biggest challenge I’m trying to overcome is trying to play with tendinitis. I’m trying to manage tendinitis by working with the trainer at the high school.
Sammy Rios —
Q: When did you first get interested in playing golf and why?
A: My first interest in golf was when I was very young, hitting golf balls in the backyard with my dad and going to the golf course with him.
Q: What words of advice or encouragement do you have to share with younger athletes that want to get into golf?
A: I would tell the players coming up to stick to the game. It’s a very unique sport that doesn’t get enough credit and to be patient when you’re learning to play.
Q: How has this season helped you grow as a player?
A: Coming from junior varsity to varsity, I learned that it’s very difficult and hard to adjust for me. I’ve been struggling so far, but I’m grinding through and it’s made me realize the work I need to put in for next year’s season
