In 2002, Montezuma-Cortez High School golfer Shea Sena captured the 4A state golf championship. Now, thirteen years later, another Montezuma-Cortez golfer Jakob Rudosky will attempt to do the same.
A stellar athlete with an impressive golfing pedigree, Rudosky will enter the 4A state golf tournament as one of the most decorated golfers in M-CHS golf history.
Along with the 2013 West Slope Regional championship he won earlier this week in Gypsum, Colo., Rudosky has qualified for state four times, finishing as high as eighth in 2013.
In addition to his stellar post-season accomplishments, Rodusky has been a force in the regular season, winning multiple tournament championships, including wins in Cortez and Montrose during the 2013 season.
For Rudosky, success has not come without hard work and dedication, a fact the high school senior is quick to point out.
“(Golf) has been my life since I could walk,” said Rudosky. “My dad has been a pro and when I was born, he was running (Conquistador Golf Course). It’s all I’ve ever done, played golf. It has been a lot of hard work, and the results are finally starting to pay off, which is awesome.”
Awesome indeed, but as the ever-modest Rudosky is quick to point out, individual success would not have been possible without his team.
“My team is just my second family,” Rudosky said. “I’ve been with them for four years. It’s the same guys. It’s a bummer that they didn’t make it (to state), but they all have one more year. I have a feeling that some of them will be going next year for sure.”
Although only time will tell whether Rudosky will follow in Sena’s footsteps and conclude his career with a state championship, the senior is brimming with confidence.
“The goal is definitely to win state,” Rudosky said. “I want to go out my senior year with a final win, which would be awesome.”
“I think that (Jakob) has a great chance at state,” added Panthers’ head coach Micah Rudosky. “He’s a solid player. He’s going to in there feeling good about it.”
This year’s 4A state championship is scheduled to take place Monday, Sept. 30, and Tuesday, Oct. 1, in Evergreen at Hiwan Country Club.
What a treat it would be for local sports fans if Rodusky could bring home the title.