High school boys golf in Utah is competitive, including in the Class 6A ranks. Winning a state title isn’t easy, but the Riverton Silverwolves like their chances. 

Head coach Kelly Pehrson, now in his third year leading the team, isn’t shying away from challenging the boys and touting them as a possible contender for the top prize in 6A. 

“I have high expectations for our team this year,” Pehrson said. “I have witnessed how hard each of our players have worked during the season and during the off-season. Some of the golfers have not stopped practicing from last season. Our team has the physical talent to win it all; we are just struggling with the mental aspect of the game. Our motto this year is ‘Lock in.’ We have put it on our team hats to remind them to lock in mentally.”

Riverton’s overarching goal is to capture the 6A state title. This will require every player to be on his game each match and for consistent progress throughout the year. Because golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, Pehrson is using some different techniques this season to prepare the players. 

“Obviously our team goal is to win a state championship for Riverton High School this year,” he said. “To do so we just have to improve each week in the season. We have implemented some mental assessment trainings and books to read to help them gain confidence mentally. We are reading as a team ‘Every Shot Must Have a Purpose,’ by Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott. Each week they have to text the coaches what they have learned. The second chapter starts out with a quote from Henry Ford, ‘If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right.’ This is our team goal: to have them gain confidence mentally.”

The Silverwolves have a large team that includes eight seniors. Two of those seniors—Collin Taylor and Andrew Huff—are first-time players on the Riverton team, having been cut after tryouts in years past. There are also five juniors, five sophomores and two freshmen. 

“[Taylor and Huff] proved us wrong as coaches for not choosing them in previous tryouts by working extremely hard in the off-season,” Pehrson said.

The team leader is Jaxon Erickson, whom Pehrson said is “one of the hardest-working kids in Utah Junior Golf.” He was third in 6A last season at the
state tournament. 

“[Erickson] has followed this up with an amazing summer season,” Pehrson said. “He sets the tone for the rest of the team to chase. However, what I like most of all about Jaxon, even with all his success, he loves to be with the rest of the guys on the team, he is extremely humble, and he is friends with the rest of the team.”

Pehrson loves his senior class and is grateful for their hard work and dedication. He admires the examples they set for the younger golfers on the squad. These seniors, in addition to Taylor and Huff, are Charlie Jackson, Hayden Stewart, Dylan Openshaw, Camden Niell, Kayson Grover and Ryker White. 

“They all bring amazing leadership and a great attitude each day,” Pehrson said. “Even after golf, I know each one of these boys have big plans after high school.”

Pehrson said the key to success this season is for the players to “swing with confidence.” The Silverwolves work hard and prepare. The key is to now develop more confidence. 

Riverton doesn’t lack for leadership and experience. Most the players are now on their third or fourth year on the team. However, there are big challenges ahead. Region 2 presents some formidable opponents, with Corner Canyon, Herriman and Bingham, in particular, always bringing a strong game. 

“Sometimes it can be intimidating playing with such talented players,” Pehrson said. “Again, we just have to have the confidence that we deserve to play right beside these players.”

The Silverwolves opened the season with a third-place finish behind Corner Canyon and Herriman at a tournament at River Oaks golf course. Those teams were first and third, respectively, at state a year ago. Pehrson is daunted by these foes. However, he believes the Silverwolves are capable of toppling any opponent. 

“It is anybody’s day in golf,” he said. “I feel like if we bring our potential and it’s our day, we can beat anyone.”

What matters most to Pehrson in his coaching opportunities is not where the team finishes in the standings but that he gets the chance to work with some amazing people. He’s grateful he gets to see firsthand these young men progress and grow. 

“They are just great young men,” he said. “Spending three years with almost all of them has been so fun. I love that they are friends away from golf. I have a son on the team, and I appreciate the impact and friendships that he has gained from all of them. Their hard work has created a coach’s dream. They have helped create what we want Riverton golf to be known for: hard working, talented golfers.”

Riverton will play several tournaments and matches throughout the regular season as it prepares for the state tournament. The 6A tournament is set for Oct. 14 and 15 at Riverbend Golf Course.  λ