![WASC looks for more than the basic California State standards. According to chairperson Mike Woo, “As new rules and new concerns come up through society, [WASC] look[s] is the school doing something about that. Like the biggest trend post-COVID is mental wellness. So is your school doing something to address the mental health of the students? Along with are they still doing the proper academics?”](https://theburlingameb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3401-1200x1200.png)
![“For me personally, I want [others] to see the music program as a strong union because we can really bring out the life of our school,” Vega said. “We need music, you know? Otherwise, things would be really silent and dead.”](https://theburlingameb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/unnamed-1200x801.jpeg)
Boys’ golf (4-0 Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division) extended their undefeated start to the season with a close 210-222 victory over Sequoia High School on Thursday March 7. The Panthers had the home course advantage as the match took place at the Old Course at Half Moon Bay Golf Links.
The team had a tight grip on the match from the get-go. Sophomore Cole Weyer and junior Zach Newman both almost holed out on the par-3 third, giving the Panthers two big birdies. That was after Weyer came within an inch of holing out his second shot on the par-4 second. Eventually, Weyer and Newman would become the top scorers for Burlingame, shooting 38 and 40 on the par 36 layout, respectively.
Weyer was especially proud of the way his teammates played during the round, claiming that low scores across the board are essential for Panther victories.
“We don’t have any superstars, but all of our players are consistent,” Weyer said. “And that’s what makes us great.”
The Panthers’ ability to collaborate with each other in challenging moments also aided their win. For instance, Weyer and Newman helped one another read difficult putts to secure more par-saves and capitalize on potential birdie opportunities.
“It helps us shoot better,” Weyer said. “And I think it also helps us with some team-building skills and getting better as a team.”
Senior Clayton Lau putts on the 1st green at Half Moon Bay Golf Links during a match against Sequoia High School on Thursday, March 7.
Junior Zach Newman putts on the 7th green at Half Moon Bay Golf Links during a match against Sequoia High School on Thursday, March 7.
While holes like the par-3 7th caused some unfortunate bogeys on many Burlingame scorecards, in all, the players did not give in to the difficult winds and cold weather conditions. Seniors Nate Teitelbaum, who shot 43, and Clayton Lau, who shot 44, put up respectable performances, giving the Panthers the slight edge needed to secure victory.
While the Panthers are mainly aiming for sub-200 scores for the rest of the season, which they have accomplished several times already — including a 196 in the season-opener against Aragon High School on Feb. 22 and a 194 versus Hillsdale High School on March 4 — their win against Sequoia is no disappointment. As head coach Jon Ramirez explained, the rough conditions made it harder for the squad to play quality golf and shoot low scores.
Even though the Panthers did not play their best against the Ravens, the team still believes they have what it takes to not just win PALs but to make noise in the Central Coast Section tournament. In the meantime, Ramirez is encouraging his players to value every shot and be content with the game’s imperfections.
“I think we’re a good team right now,” Ramirez said. “To strive to be a great team, we need to be able to do those things.”
The Panthers will attempt to grow their winning streak against Menlo-Atherton High School at Half Moon Bay Golf Links on Thursday, March 14.
