The Spartan golfers were proud to be the only students to play in the tournament (L to R Jalyssa Vigil, Morgan VandeRiet, Andrew Villescas, Jessie Aldridge). photo by Wendi VandeRiet
Four Spartans were honored to participate in a golf tournament that benefited Southmoor Park neighborhood schools.
For the second time in three years, Thomas Jefferson students have golfed in the All for One Community golf tournament. On May 21, 2016, Spartan golfers, Jalyssa Vigil and Morgan VandeRiet from the girls’ team and Andrew Villescas and Jessie Aldridge from the boys’ team, played at Wellshire Golf Course among other members of the South Denver community. Two years ago, in May 2015, VandeRiet played in the inaugural All for One tournament with TJ graduates Laine Stewart, David Peterson, and Alex Villescas.
The tournament was a benefit for Wellshire’s neighboring schools, including Southmoor Elementary, Samuels Elementary, Hamilton Middle School, and Thomas Jefferson High School. People from all around the Denver community came to play in this tournament and benefit these schools. Participants played in groups of four, playing a modified scramble. In this format, all players would tee off from the tee box and the team would then choose which ball they would play all of their next shots from, and this would continue until the group finished the hole. “With a scramble it’s more of a team effort rather than an individual effort, which makes it more fun and enjoyable,” Aldridge explained. The foursome additionally enjoyed the luxury of the golf carts, as in regular season tournaments the high school players are required to walk. The weather was sunny and perfect for golf, which increased the Spartan’s spirits even more.
Both the boys’ and girls’ golf teams at TJ have had phenomenal seasons and the players were really looking forward to the tournament. “I feel that this tournament was a great chance for me to be a part of my community and have fun with other golfers,” Villescas said.
After the tournament, the players were treated to a delicious lunch during the awards ceremony. Although the foursome did not win anything, they were very honored to have played. The group ended up scoring a 74, a great outcome due to the foursome’s team efforts. Vigil said of the tournament, “I like that the tournament was really fast paced and you didn’t spend too much time on one hole.” The golfers are looking forward to playing in this annual tournament next year and years to come.
