News updates are sent daily. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Xavier wins record 145th straight golf match
Digg|
Save|
License|
Print|
E-mail|
The Xavier girls golf team celebrates its 145th consecutive win. Oct. 21, 2009.
Matt Pavelek, For the Tribune
It wasn't until earlier this fall when Phoenix Xavier athletic director/girls golf coach Sister Lynn Winsor ordered a new national high school athletics record book.
She'd gone the past two years without an updated version, but when she flipped through the golf section and found 144 consecutive match-play wins by Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nev., was still in place, the Gators knew they had a chance.
On Wednesday, the last regular-season match was a record-breaker for the Gators. They won their 145th consecutive match by beating Gilbert Highland and Phoenix North Canyon at Camelback Golf Club in Scottsdale.
Xavier shot a 149, Highland shot 175 and North Canyon carded a 193.
With school Principal Sister Joan Fitzgerald and a contingent of Gators alumni back in town on fall break watching, the Gators calmly did what every Xavier team has done in a match for the past 13 years.
Junior Kaira Martin took medalist honors with a 35. Teammates Daffodil Sanchez (36) and Sarah Schmelzel (37) also finished in the top five.
The Gators' players knew what was at stake but waited until after the other two schools left the before they did a quick celebration.
"It was a wonderful way to end the season," Winsor said. "We knew it was out there but never stressed it to the kids or anyone. They don't need that kind of pressure."
The Gators' last loss was to Scottsdale Horizon on Oct. 17, 1996. That Huskies team was led by future LPGA standout Grace Park, back when players on this year's Gators team were ages 2, 3 and 4.
"They just all went out and did their business (Wednesday)," Winsor said. "Think about all those golfers and families since 1996 who put in the hours and effort to make this happen. All through the years no one ever thought about it."
Super regionals and the state tournament are up next for the Gators in the next couple of weeks as they try to win a 12th consecutive 5A state championship.
But not before the bus stopped at a Chipotle restaurant on the way home Wednesday.
"Xavier's buying the drinks," Winsor said with a laugh. "That means water."
Related
Please add your comments, but follow these guidelines to keep this a safe, credible place for discussing the news: