Sequim High’s boys golf team’s epic league win streak finally came to an end, but the Wolves may have gained a new rival.
The Wolves saw their 60-match winning streak dating back to the 2015 season fall in their season-opener at 3A Bainbridge on March 14, but nearly matched the Spartans nine days later in a one-shot loss at home.
In their first match, Sequim was led by Carter Cronin, who SHS coach Sean O’Mera said admirably fought all day to salvage a nine-hole round of 43, in the 163-199 defeat. Cole Smithson added a 50, Zack Thompson shot 51 and Lars Wiker posted a 55.
“It was a tough day for the Wolves,” O’Mera noted.
Sequim’s boys rebounded quickly, posting a 12-shot win over Bremerton on the Wolves’ home course, The Cedars at Dungeness, on March 16.
Smithson carded a 39 to share match medalist honors with Bremerton’s Jackson Fletcher.
“I am so proud of Cole; he worked his tail off yesterday at practice, he committed to trying his best despite the outcome, and boy did it pay off,” O’Mera said.
Thompson added a 43, that included a two-stroke penalty and some education on how to avoid that penalty in the future, while Cronin added a 47. Cody Dunscomb and Kyle Sharpe each totaled rounds of 49 to round out Sequim’s scorers.
On March 21, Sequim routed North Kitsap at home by 30 shots (161-191) under sunny skies and calm breezes at The Cedars.
Medalist for the second time this year, Smithson fired a 38, highlighted by a crushed drive on the ninth hole. With 35 yards left, he played a delicate chip shot to about 9 feet, then calmly rolled in a curling putt for birdie.
“Cole’s mindset is night and day better from the beginning of the year,” O’Mera said.
Right behind Cole was Cronin who fired a 39, barely missing an eagle putt on hole 3 and playing steady the rest of the way, O’Mera noted.
Dunscomb shot a career-best 41, Thompson played a solid round in shooting 43, and Wiker shot his career low round of 44 — almost making a hole in one on hole 8.
On March 23, Sequim looked to exact revenge against visiting Bainbridge and nearly pulled it off, falling 159-160.
“Some losses are better than others, and … this qualifies as a good loss,” O’Mera said. “Sometimes, you just have to tip your cap to a team who beat you. We certainly didn’t beat ourselves today. We will continue to get better.”
Leading the Wolves (2-1 in Olympic League, 2-2 overall) with the lowest score of the year from any Wolf was Cronin, who birdied three out of his last four holes to shoot a 2-under 34 — the best round of the day by four strokes.
“He struggled with driver all day, but found a way to compete, especially with a putter,” O’Mera said.
Smithson shot a 4-over par 40, Thompson carded a 42 and Zack Thompson hung tough to gut out a 42, and Dunscomb shot a 5-over 44.
“Cody is a raw talent and is really still learning the game,” O’Mera said. “He is playing his heart out and is certainly helping our squad.”
SHS girls go 2-2 in early matches
Sequim’s girls took a tough loss to a seasoned Bainbridge squad on March 14, falling 184-240.
Bainbridge was led by Elise Walters’ 4-over par 40, and Sara Kreigh with a 46.
Sequim was led by junior Emily Post’s 56, followed by Chloe Tweter (60), Isabella Williams (61) and freshman Kendra Dodson (63) in her first-ever match.
The Wolves evened their season record on March 16, topping Bremerton 237-267. In her first match back from the basketball season, senior Jelissa Julmist led SHS with a round of 55 for medalist honors.
Backing Julmist were Williams (59), Dodson (61), Tweter (62) and Sara German (62). Lucianna Taylor led Bremerton with a round of 63.
The Wolves (2-1 in Olympic League, 2-2 overall) knocked off North Kitsap at home on March 21, 214-245, and fell to Bainbridge for a second time this season, 188-217, at home on March 23.
Coming up
Sequim is off through spring break until April 11, when the squads host Kingston, and April 13, when Sequim hosts Olympic.
The Wolves are at North Mason on April 20.
