MHS boys’ golf team grows in numbers, knowledge

More than a dozen young golfers showed up to play for a spot on the Maricopa High School boys’ golf team’s starting five. Some returned from last year, while newcomers have a knowledge of the game already established.

“Most of the kids have played before,” coach Mike Russoniello said.

Russoniello coached golf for nine years before taking a break. In preparing to return this season, he had a summer program and watched the boys in open gym.

He discovered among his recruits a batch of boys, many of them sophomores, who played at least casually, were fans of the game, knew its traditions and followed modern players.

“That helps out a ton – that knowledge of how tournaments work, how to behave on the golf course,” Russoniello said.

He wants them to improve their short game, which is the only way they will be competitive. The boys get the particular challenge of playing their home tournaments at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club. They also practice at The Duke at Rancho El Dorado, the home course for the girls’ team.

“I thank both facilities for working with our boys,” Russoniello said. “Without The Duke and the Dunes, nothing would be possible.”

This season’s Rams include Jonathan Aguilar, McKay Buckmister, Reno Dugan, Skylar Dugan, Ryan Hahn, Teancum Hoopes, Zach Huskey, Mitchell Karpes, Connor Paine, AJ Vonderheide, Eric Whitman and Braiden Whitworth.

Russoniello has set a goal for all his golfers to shoot under 100 and for the starting five to shoot consistently under 80. Above all, he wants them to develop a lifelong love of golf.

On the girls’ side of the course, that is happening, despite a low turnout that has altered plans for this season.

Six MHS girls showed interest in being on the team, and that number wavers. Coach John Tobin is having them play instructional league with Stableford scoring instead of stroke play.

His group includes seniors Eden Castellano and Lauren Davis, junior Madison Ewold and sophomores Bailey Davis and AJ Avington. Tobin said they will play four matches this season.

“You can’t play soccer forever, but you can play golf forever,” Lauren Davis said.

Boys Golf
Date        Location            Time        Opponent
Aug. 30        Las Colinas            3:30 p.m.    Higley, Mesquite, Poston Butte
Sept. 6        Ak-Chin Southern Dunes    3:30 p.m.    Apache Junction, Washington, Poston Butte
Sept. 7        Los Colinas            11 a.m.        Higley
Sept. 13    Casteel                3:30 p.m.    Casteel, Vista Grande, Raymond S. Kellis
Sept. 20    Chandler            3:30 p.m.    Chandler Prep, Cortez
Sept. 27    Betty Fairfax            3:30 p.m.    Betty Fairfax, Apache Junction, Washington
Oct. 4        Ak-Chin Southern Dunes    3 p.m.        Seton, Sierra Linda, Williams Field
Oct. 11        Trilogy                3:30 p.m.    Cortez, Williams Field, Combs
Oct. 18        Ocotillo                3:30 p.m.    Seton, Glendale, Poston Butte
Oct. 20        Ak-Chin Southern Dunes    3 p.m.        Apache Junction, Washington, Poston Butte