STHS golf tryouts full of surprises

By Steve Yingling

Tribune sports editor

Golf is often a game full of surprising developments, and South Tahoe High certainly received one during tryouts this week.

Junior Kyle Mazzoni, who has played baseball in previous years, led South Tahoe's qualifying through nine-hole rounds at Empire Ranch in Carson City and Genoa Lakes Golf Club in Genoa. Mazzoni shot a 3-over 39 on Wednesday at Genoa.

A couple of other rookie prep golfers also made some noise. Senior Reid Cocking, widely known for his play with the basketball team, finished seventh in qualifying, and freshman Matt Blank tied for eighth.

Mike Patterson, the only coach the program has known, will welcome back four players with regional tournament experience.

Teddy Kosciolek, Kyle Garrett, Joel Morris and K.J. Allister all played in last year's regional at Ruby View Golf Course in Elko. Kosciolek and Allister fired identical nine-hole rounds of 41 on a cool and windy day at Genoa.

Patterson hopes his experienced and new players can lead the Vikings to their eighth regional tournament in nine years.

Like it did to Whittell, last week's heavy snowfall essentially wiped out the first week of practice, although Patterson had his team work on their driving and irons in a driving net in the school's auto shop.

"We are actually behind where we should be," said Patterson, who didn't make final cuts until Wednesday.

"There actually was a real good turnout, so there's going to be a lot of competition."

The Vikings will carry six players on varsity and six more on JV. The remaining players will be able to practice at Lake Tahoe Golf Course once the Meyers course opens.

Finishing behind Mazzoni in order were Kosciolek, Morris, Eric Cianci, Allister and Patrick Smith.

"I'm pretty excited because I think the internal competitions that we're gonna have are going to be good for our level of play," Patterson said. "I think the kids are gonna have to compete and play well to break onto our varsity squad."

STHS sand blasts

Coach: Mike Patterson, 13th year

Last year: finished third in the Sierra Division, regional qualifier

Key returners: Teddy Kosciolek (Sr.); Joel Morris (Jr.), K.J. Allister (Sr.)

Key loss: Kevin Fannan, Dru Blair

Opener: Today, Icebreaker in Genoa.