Logan Heath is an ASU Cronkite school of Journalism student assigned to cover Betty Fairfax High School for AZpreps365.com

Betty Fairfax golfers finished first in the Phoenix Union Tournament on Friday at Encanto Golf Course. The Stampede finished with 344 team strokes. 

Cesar Chavez finished second (381) while Alhambra finished third (384) and North High was fourth (416). Andrew Geston of Central was the medalist as he shot five-over-par 75. Geston was very consistent in the tournament as he totaled 13 pars. 

The Stampede were led to victory by Harper Swope and Owen Stroop, who finished tied for second with 77s. The seniors finished their final rounds strong as Swope recorded one birdie and 10 pars while Stroop recorded 11 pars. Jason Castillo, also of Betty Fairfax, finished fourth with an 85. 

Despite an impressive performance, Swope was aiming higher. 

“Finishing first in this tournament was my goal,” he said. “I really wish I could have gotten it done, so it’s disappointing.”  

Swope also spoke about how he stayed so consistent on the course 

“Everything worked well today,” he said. “I did not have one great club that I could rely on each hole so that was tough to adjust to.”

Stroop said his best hole was No. 4. 

 “I had a bit of a rough drive and hit it into the bunker,” Stroop said. “But I was able to get out of the bunker and save it for par.” 

Stroop also spoke about the differences playing in this tournament versus other matches. 

“When I’m playing nine holes I play more closed and need to be more careful,” he said. “When I’m playing 18 holes I know I have a lot more room to work with.” 

In addition to their strong scores, Swope also won the award of closest to the pin and Stroop was awarded the longest drive of the tournament. 

Stampede coach Chris Hazelton said the victory was bittersweet for him. 

“I’ve known in the back of my mind that this would be my last season coaching golf,” Hazelton said. “But I am just glad to see the guys happy and it always feels good to get the trophy back at our school and have it placed in our trophy case.”

Outside of victory, the tournament also meant a lot to Hazelton because he founded the tournament 12 years ago.

 “It means a lot to me,” he said. “One of the biggest reasons I put it together is because I wanted to keep golf going in our school district and give the kids something to compete in. I have a long family history of playing in this district and I hope this tournament will continue for another 30-40 years.”

Hazelton also spoke about his passion for coaching the last 18 years

 “It is a bit of a grind,” he said. “All the groups I’ve ever had have been really good kids. And at the end of the day it’s not just about golf but also helping them become good people. So any group I get I cherish because I know I get a chance to have a positive impact and that’s the most important thing.”