SOUTH DAKOTA SPORTS AWARDS

#SDSportsAwards, boys golf: Gabe Heller bounces back at state

Matt Zimmer
mzimmer@argusleader.com

You couldn’t have blamed Gabe Heller for wearing some frustration on his sleeve at the Class A state golf tournament when the Aberdeen Roncalli senior shot an 80 in the opening round. That wasn’t the way to pursue an individual title, nor to point the Cavaliers toward the team championship.

Undeterred, Heller came back on the second day and shot an even-par 72, catching and roaring past the rest of the field to emerge with a comfortable three-stroke victory. Having finished second in the state the year before, Heller was as driven and focused as ever when the chance to win the title presented itself, but he didn’t allow the emotions to overwhelm him when adversity struck.

“I knew he was a mentally strong kid, but I probably didn’t fully realize it until that second day of the state tournament,” said Aberdeen Roncalli coach Ryan Patnoe, who helped the Cavs to the title in his first season as coach. “He’s a lot stronger than I previously understood.”

MORE: See other winners of the S.D. Sports Awards

He could easily have given up and quit after he shot that 80. Instead he came back and won the tournament. That was impressive.”

Heller’s game isn’t flashy – it’s grounded in fundamentals and avoiding mistakes. But he also succeeds due to his ability to remain positive on and off the course, something his coach said rubbed off on teammates. The Cavaliers’ state title was their first since 2004.

“Ultimately he succeeds because he puts in the work and has a strong mind. He’s just a very positive person, very sincere with strong character,” Patnoe said.