Gila Ridge hosts inaugural Hawks Nest Invitational

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Gila Ridge Hawks varsity golf teams welcomed schools from across the greater Phoenix area this weekend for the first-ever Hawks Nest Invitational, held at their home course, Mesa Del Sol.

The tournament brought together seven boys varsity teams and five girls varsity teams, giving Gila Ridge the chance to compete against some of Arizona's top golf programs.

Despite many new faces among the competition, the Hawks held their ground and continued their early-season success.

"Today's been going really smooth," said boys varsity head coach James Kuzniak. "It's nice to have an invitational like this for the first time ever and to have a lot of teams from out of town. It's good to play against other schools and to have 'em down here on our home course.”

Teams traveled from the outer areas of Phoenix, offering a unique challenge and learning experience for the Hawks. For the players, the opportunity to compete against bigger schools was invaluable.

"It is an incredible opportunity for the girls," said girls varsity head coach Araceli Palacios. "They are playing with teams from a big city and bigger schools, and they are holding really well. They know that if they play with better players, they get better as well."

That mindset was echoed by the athletes themselves. Boys No. 1 golfer Trent Karvoski appreciated the challenge, saying, "It feels great. It puts me at my best, really keeps me where I should be, and makes me work harder."

Girls No. 1 golfer Peyton Waymire added, "It's definitely different. You get to meet different people, and a lot of the Phoenix schools that we've played are really good."

Both the boys and girls teams placed second overall in the tournament. One of the day's most memorable moments came at Hole 5, a par three, where sophomore Jayden Waymire recorded the first hole-in-one of her career.

Individually, Karvoski finished second overall with a score of 72, while Waymire placed fourth in the girls competition with a 94.

As for the final scorecard, Karvoski says it's not the most important part of the day.

"Keeping my attitude right when I'm on the golf course. Keeping the ball in play and having fun...always keeping a smile on my face when I’m on the golf course. If I can keep a smile on the golf course, then I'm having a good day," Karvoski said.

The Hawks now look ahead to the rest of the season with strong momentum and valuable experience under their belt.