This year, a new team has been added to the school – the Disc Golf Team. Although it isn’t a VHSL sport, the Disc Golf Team competes in tournaments against other high schools in the area.
The team consists of seven players and two coaches, Josh Holton and Mr. Chris McGrath. McGrath was inspired to form the Disc Golf Team from a teacher at Alleghany High School, who he met playing disc golf.
The teacher told McGrath that he was coaching a disc golf team and informed him of other details. After hearing this story, McGrath was immediately inclined to form a team at RCHS.
The Disc Golf Team practices a couple times a week to prepare for tournaments. There are no tryouts to join the team. Gardner Clement, John Brooke, Andrew McCoy, Dean Fafatas, Rowe Bucy, Fisher Newhall, and Finton McGrath are the members of the team.
Coach Chris McGrath explains what tournaments look like.
“Disc golf tournaments consist of around two to six high schools playing at a disc golf course. There’s a singles round where everybody just scores on their own, similar to the way the golf team would play. Then, there’s also a team round where the members of the team play as partners. And those scores are combined for an overall team score,” said McGrath.
The Disc Golf Team competed in a tournament in early June against Alleghany High School, which they won.
The team’s first tournament of the season was on Sept. 29 at the Flying Flucos Invitational. Out of six teams, they placed first overall. Senior Gardner Clement placed first in the singles round, shooting eight below par. Middle school student Fin McGrath placed second, senior John Brooke placed fifth, and freshman Fisher Newhall placed tenth.
Freshman Fisher Newhall reflects on the results of the weekend.
“I placed tenth. I definitely think I need to practice more, and I haven’t been playing for a super long time. The team went out and played the course a week before, and I didn’t go, but I think I would’ve placed higher if I had gone. We played really well in the team round, and shot great. We didn’t miss any putts,” said Newhall.
Senior John Brooke is another member of the Disc Golf Team. He began playing disc golf over spring break last year. Brooke explains his favorite part about the sport.
“My favorite part of disc golf is probably just going out and playing with my friends. It’s also something to get better at and something to work for,” said Brooke.
The Disc Golf Team will continue to play and prepare for future tournaments. Follow their Instagram: @rchsdiscgolf for more updates.
