Rodriguez Hits 74 as Men's Golf Hosts 18 Teams at Breathtaking Sandpiper
By Jimmy Friery
GOLETA, CA – The Santa Barbara City College Men's Golf team finished 7th out of 18 teams on Monday in a match hosted at beautiful Sandpiper Golf Course.
It was a great showing of how competitive 3C2A Men's Golf can be, as just 6 strokes separated 6th place Canyons (398) and 11th place Mt. San Antonio (404). The Vaqueros were sandwiched in the lower half of that group of 6 teams, finishing at 400 even.
"I am proud of the competitive spirit our team has after all the hard work they do to prepare for our matches," head coach Ernie Carrasco said. "We did well against the best of teams from various California conferences."
Vicente Rodriguez was the best Vaquero on the day, finishing with a 74, tied for 5th among all golfers competing. Jack Blinderman was another Vaquero medalist, ending up with a 78.
Rodriguez had great perspective on his great day at the course, saying, "It was a blessing to compete and post a well deserved score at a beautiful course like Sandpiper, and overcome the struggles of competitive golf. I always keep in mind that 'everything you desire must be earned.'"
The rest of the team all finished within 1 shot of each other. Theodore Lohrer shot an 82, and Jacob Aaron, Michael Gentry, and John Kelleher all finished at 83.
"I think staying positive and lifting each other up has helped this team stay on the right track for success," Blinderman added.
SBCC's schedule continues next Monday at Oakmont Country Club in Glendale for another WSC matchup.
SBCC individual scores:
1. Vicente Rodriguez (74)
2. Paddy Blinderman (78)
3. Theodore Lohrer (82)
T4. Jacob Aaron (83)
T4. Michael Gentry (83)
T4. JT Kelleher (83)
Team scores :
1. Orange Coast (385)
2. Reedley (388)
3. Bakersfield (390)
4. Ventura (391)
5. Napa (394)
6. Canyons #1 (398)
7. SBCC (400)
T8. Canyons #2 (401)
T8. Cypress (401)
10. Saddleback (402)
11. Mt. SAC (404)
T12. Fresno (409)
T12. Glendale (409)
14. Modesto (413)
15. Desert (419)
16. Antelope Valley (430)
17. Mt. San Jacinto (436)
18. Hancock (464)
First two photos and video below: LaDeane Hansten / SBCC Athletics
All other photos below, excluding scores: Ken Sciallo / Sevilla Photography
Jacob Aaron teeing off on hole #1