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Rifle High School names Smith new boys golf coach

Following a surprising resignation from the previous boys golf coach, former volunteer assistant coach Tod Smith was recently named the new Rifle boys golf coach for the 2017 season.

Smith, the father of standout Rifle golfers Jacob and Masi Smith, will become a varsity head coach for the first time in his career. A former collegiate golfer at Western State Colorado University and Colorado Mesa University, Smith has a lot of experience as a golf instructor and coach despite not having varsity head coaching experience.

“I’m looking to bring a positive attitude and a willingness to have the kids learn outside of golf,” Smith said. “Golf is great, but these kids are here to get an education first and foremost. But I’m also looking to really develop some of these kids here.



“I want to teach these kids smart golf, not just how to hit the ball. I want them to learn how to work their way around the courses they’ll play on, because you can save a lot of shots just by playing smart golf.”

“I’m looking to bring a positive attitude and a willingness to have the kids learn outside of golf.”Tod SmithRifle boys golf coach

Under Smith, Rifle will have right around five golfers this fall, which isn’t a lot, but it will be enough to work with for the first-year head coach.



Junior Jacob Smith, junior Wolfgang Smith (no relation) and sophomore Tristan Costanzo give Smith a solid trio to work with this fall as Jacob Smith is a two-year state qualifier and a two-time first team all-conference award winner, while Wolfgang Smith just missed qualifying for the state tournament last fall.

Smith and the Bears start their first season together on Aug. 14 at the Gypsum Tournament in a nonconference tournament to start the season.


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