GISD Celebrates Championship Golf Teams

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

GRAPELAND – First, it was the Grapeland High Boys Golf Team who brought home their second consecutive state championship. The following week, the GHS Girls brought home their first ever state championship in golf.

The team of Brayden Cheatham, Rick Frauenberger, Case Boyd, Jason Bobbitt and Dylan Duhon led the Sandies to their second title in as manty years with a combined score of 626 (315-311), 13 shots clear of runner-up De Leon.

The Sandiettes’ team of Hannah Chipman, Cheney Boyd, Madelyn Conner, Carly Parker and Mary Jane Watson shot a two-day total of 689 (345-344) to bring home their first state championship in golf.

On Friday, June 8 the two teams came together to receive the accolades of the school and the community.

GISD Superintendent Don Jackson opened the celebration and said the two teams were able to accomplish what they did because they believed in themselves and had a mindset of success.

“They love the game and they put in the work to be the best,” Jackson said. “It says a lot to be the best school in the state of Texas in Class AA in both the girls and boys (competition). This did not happen by accident. It happened because of teamwork and hard work.”

The superintendent also informed the crowd of approximately 100 people, because these student/athletes were state champions, they deserved to have state championship rings.

“We are taking donations to get them championship rings. If you feel it in your heart to donate – we will have a fundraiser at a later date – but if you would like to personally donate to the cause, you can come by the (GISD administrative) office or see (Golf) Coach (Cannon) Earp or (Athletic Director) Coach Wayne Mahaffey. We certainly want to give them a memento and something they can show their grandkids,” he said.

Following Jackson’s comments, the golf coach introduced the players and said all of the golfers were very hard works.

“Some of them play multiple sports. Some two, some three and some maybe even four or five. But, they play golf year round. This is what they do. In fact, today when we were taking pictures of the golf team, three of them were coming off the course right when we were getting ready to take pictures,” Earp said.

“It doesn’t ever stop for them,” Earp continued. “They are always constantly working to get better. I’m really proud of what they have done. In the last two years, they have doubled the number of state championships Grapeland has and that’s a pretty big deal.”

Before he concluded, the coach took time to thank the Grapeland community, Vulcraft, Prosperity Bank and the Grapeland Noon Lions Club for helping to organize the event and to prepare the food for the celebration.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].