The Xavier boys’ golf team was not worried heading into the 2017 season. They had graduated a few key varsity members, but their most important weapon, senior Brad Karpick, was back.

Karpick, who was nominated for the KCRG Athlete of the Week, was the 2016 Mississippi Valley Conference boys’ golf player of the year. However, this title did not stop him from improving his technique this summer.

“I made sure I was getting better every day and traveling around the Midwest to play in tournaments in the summer,” Karpick said.

His hard work has paid off, as the Saints won the CRANDIC meet at their home course, St. Andrews, on September 5 and won the MVC Divisional at Gates Course on September 11.

As the team looks toward the postseason, they only have one goal in mind: to compete at the state tournament. Their main way of achieving this is to stay consistent with their scores.

“Most important to us right now is that we sustain our level of play no matter who we’re playing, the conditions of the course, or weather conditions,” Coach Tim O’Brien said.

This idea of consistency is also alive amongst the players.

“I think we can improve on our consistency and continuing to lower our scoring averages at each meet,” senior Ryan Keating said.

The Saints are back in action on Monday, September 25 at 9:30 a.m. as they compete in their last Mississippi Valley Conference Divisional of the year at Jones Golf Course.

Maria Steffen

Assistant Sports Editor