and competed against Schurr High School on March 19 and were victorious 214-262 .The Vikings were led by Justin Abernathy's 2 over par 37 and Victor Ortiz's 4 over par 39. The Vikings are looking to improve upon their 10-10 overall record from last season and have loaded up on a difficult preseason schedule. The Vikings finished last season with a 7-1 league record and tied cross-town rival Warren for a share of the San Gabriel Valley League championship, as they have done for the past two years. Downey returns several key golfers from last year. Steve Gurule, Victor Ortiz and Joel Carreto all return with a year of varsity golf under their belts. Key losses to graduation from last year's team include Christian Lee and former East Knight Paul Heidecker. Although Downey has not participated in any tournaments thus far, they have competed against such quality programs as Marina, South Torrance, Cerritos and La Canada and have held their own. The Vikings will compete at the Herald Tournament at Candlewood Country Club and in the Knabe Cup at the Lakewood Country Club in April. Coach Sanders believes that Warren will continue to be tough competition for his team. Coach Sanders also believes Gahr will be competitive due to the San Gabriel Valley League's best individual golfer returning for another year. Sanders said he is pleased with the continued emergence of senior Justin Abernathy and sophomores Jason Lee and Rekeesh Patel. The coach said he sees his team as a cohesive unit and has fun coaching them. "I like helping these kids learn a game they will be able to enjoy all of their lives as I have," Sanders said.

********** Published: March 22, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 49