Ceres High’s Zack Chastain and Central Valley’s Emmanuel Campos, William Montez and Adolfo Diaz traveled to Merced on May 5 to compete at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-IV Boys Golf Tournament.

“It was their first time making it to Divisionals,” Hawks’ head coach Scott Edwards said. “It’s an eye-opening experience. You got to get used to that level of play. Next year, they’ll have a better chance at success.”

Chastain, a senior, represented the Bulldogs for the final time.

He shot a 117 en route to a 50th-place finish at the Division-IV Tournament, which was staged at Merced Golf & Country Club.

The event featured a combined 68 golfers from the Western Athletic Conference, Greater Sacramento League and Golden Empire League.

“For not ever playing on the course, I thought Zack played really well,” Ceres High head coach Ron Edwards said. “He did the best he could.”

Chastain ranked 12th in the WAC’s individual standings. 

“He struggled a little bit at the beginning of the year,” Ron Edwards said. “He stepped up after that. He wanted to make Divisionals on his own. He made it last year because another kid dropped out.”

Chastain was a four-year starter.

He advanced to Divisionals this year and as a junior.

He missed qualifying for Divisionals by one stroke in the ninth grade.

“He’s improved every year,” commented Ron Edwards. “His ability to hit his irons got better. Everything was a lot cleaner.”

Campos, a junior, led Central Valley at Divisionals with a round of 104.

The second-year golfer finished in 33rd place.

Campos ranked 10th in the WAC’s individual standings.

“His swing got stronger,” Scott Edwards said. “He increased his distance. His short game got better. His putting was consistent. He likes being out there.”

Diaz (Fr.) and Montez (Jr.) took 49th and 52nd, respectively.

Diaz and Montez posted rounds of 116 and 121.

Diaz, a newcomer to the sport of golf, tied for 11th in the WAC’s individual standings

“His level of improvement was drastic,” Scott Edwards said. “He never missed practice. He would stay after and put in extra time. He was excited to be there. He was having fun.”

Montez, a third-year golfer, tied for ninth in the WAC’s individual standings.

“He’s the leader of the team,” Scott Edwards said. “He helps the younger guys. He’s funny, positive and has a great work ethic. He doesn’t miss practice. In most scenarios, kids can’t wait to get out of practice. He wants to master his craft.”

Campos, Diaz and Montez made history this year by securing individual berths to Divisionals under Scott Edwards’ guidance.

“It’s the most we’ve had since I’ve been around,” he said.