Two Houston High School golfers, Erin McDonald and John Gavin, are set to compete in the AA D2 Golf State Championship in Sevierville, TN, on October 10-11. The tournament brings together the top high school golfers from across Tennessee, and both Erin and John are eager to showcase their skills on this prestigious stage.
Erin, who qualified for the state championship individually, expressed mixed feelings about the experience. “I’m really happy to qualify, but I’m crushed that my team didn’t make it with me. It’s always more fun to compete together,” she said. Erin employs a mix of her favorite music and her favorite snack, Uncrustables, to help her stay centered and focused. “Keeping my head clear and focused is key for me,” she explained with a smile.
Reflecting on her personal goals, Erin aims to perform better than her previous state championship, where she faced the challenge of playing with a fever on the second day. “This year, I want to maintain good body condition and consistent results throughout both rounds,” she stated.
John Gavin, competing in his first state championship, shares similar sentiments. “I’m excited but sad I can’t go with the team,” he said. In preparation for the championship, John has focused on lessons and additional practice to improve his swing. His goal is to perform well and represent Houston High School proudly.
To mentally prepare, John finds it helpful to relax the day before the competition, managing his nerves effectively. He’s motivated to aim for victory while appreciating the opportunity to compete. “I’m happy to be here and just want to play well,” he shared.
Both golfers are thrilled to represent Houston High School, demonstrating their hard work and dedication to the sport. With their sights set on the championship, Erin and John are ready to make their mark and showcase the talent coming out of Houston High School.