Burbank High golf takes second in league opener
BURBANK — After making some adjustments to his swing, Andy Chung could see considerable improvement.
The senior Burbank High boys’ golfer made some alterations recently, which included following completely through on his swing. The results paid dividends.
PHOTOS: Pacific League boys’ golf at De Bell Golf Club
Chung shot an eight-over-par 79 on Thursday to lead Burbank to a second-place finish in the first Pacific League match of the season at De Bell Golf Club.
“My tempo and swing were in sync right away,” Chung said. “I needed to make some changes and I could see right away that I was hitting the ball a lot farther. My short game was a little rough, but I was happy otherwise.
“It’s our home course and I’m satisfied with how we played. Now, we just want to keep it going.”
Arcadia, the defending league champion, finished first with a 378. Jonathan Lai of Arcadia shot a 70 to secure medalist honors. Burbank took second (415), followed by Crescenta Valley (425) and Burroughs (445).
Burbank (8-1, 3-1 in league) got an 82 from Austin Tatka, an 83 from Roman Verciglio, an 84 from Brady Dunayer and an 87 from Blake Newton. The Bulldogs finished fourth in league last season.
Crescenta Valley first-year Coach Lee Pope said the Falcons are still trying to find their identity during the early portion of the season. The Falcons (2-8, 2-3) were led by Cody Renfro, who finished with an 80.
“We are rounding into form, but we are still searching for the right lineup combinations, especially at the bottom,” said Pope, the reigning All-Area Girls’ Golf Coach of the Year. “We will get there and we will feel better.
“We are just getting out feet under us. Anything third and above is music to my ears. There’s a rainbow somewhere.”
Crescenta Valley, which finished second in league last season before taking 16th at the Northern Team Divisional, got an 82 from Adrian Chia, 84 from Paul Park, 88 from Tanner Bloks and 91 from Geo Labellarte.
Burroughs (2-8, 2-3) received a team-best 81 from Daniel Kesicbasian. Patrick Colbert registered an 93 for the Indians, who got an 87 from Sean White, 98 from Dylan McNeely and 106 from Garrit Green.
Burroughs Coach Greg Everhart said the Indians are adjusting to their personnel.
“It’s pretty much a new group, so we are putting things together,” said Everhart, who guided the Indians to a third-place finish in league last season. “They are learning as we go along.
“We lost a couple of key players to graduation. That means we have to find a way to make up at least 20 shots.”
Glendale received a team-best score of 80 from Sammy Do. Kent Asano carded a 90 for the Nitros, who got 95s from Dong Yoo and Russell Caletena.