Not only did the Xavier boys’ golf team qualify for state as a team, but senior Max Henderson qualified individually. He shot a 78 at the district meet on Tuesday, October 2, three points away from his personal best, a 75.

Coach Tim O’Brien appreciated Henderson’s hard work and said he improved greatly during the off season.

“I would practice at least an hour or play a round every day up until the season,” Henderson said.

To his surprise, Henderson was announced captain in front of the school at the Homecoming Pep Rally one day before the state tournament. O’Brien said Henderson was selected to be a captain based on his performance and how he presented himself on and off of the course.

“I had no idea that I was going to be named captain, let alone in front of so many people,” Henderson said. “I did not know what to do, so I just stood there like a deer in headlights.”

Although state did not go as Henderson hoped, he still enjoyed his first and final state golf tournament.

On the first day of state, the team shot a 311, putting them in tenth place. This became their final score due to weather conditions that prevented play on the second day of the tournament.

“I honestly thought we played well as a team. We shot a score that would have won most of the meets we played in this year,” junior Michael Glavan said. “I think things are looking up for us as a team, and there is nothing for us to hang our heads about.”

Senior Nick Recker was the highest placed individual from Xavier; he tied for nineteenth place. Glavan and sophomore Matthew Schmit placed second highest, both tying for thirty ninth.

“I was very happy with a 74 because I felt like I gave it everything I had,” Recker said. “I was glad my last meet was spent surrounded by this team.”

The Saints will lose four seniors from this year’s varsity team.

O’Brien said, “I cannot say enough good things about the impact the seniors had on this season. They will all be missed.”