The Fort Lewis College men’s and women’s golf program has continued to grow in size during the off-season, as the men’s team got two commitments, while the women’s team got its second signee from Durango.
Durango High School’s Madalen Meier stayed local and signed with the Skyhawks on Dec. 10.
Interim head coach Jim Foltz said Meier saw fellow in-town product Faith Mewmaw of Animas High School make her commitment to FLC and she reached out to Foltz.
“It was absolutely huge,” Foltz said of Meier’s commitment. “It was huge in the fact that she reached out shortly after Faith committed and it inspired her to come on board. She was the No. 1 player for Durango and has had a stellar career. Her attitude has been phenomenal, and same with her family’s. I buy in with the whole family, and it’s a family commitment. Getting our second commitment in as many weeks from here in town sends a message that there is a tremendous amount of talent here and FLC is a great fit for local golfers.”
Meier was the Demons’ top golfer this past season and placed seventh at the Colorado High School Activities Association’s Regional tournament. Outside of DHS, Meier fared well during the off-season, as she placed second at the Hillcrest Junior Championship in 2017.
Foltz said her swing coach, Shea Sena, director of golf instruction at Elevated Golf Academy in Cortez, was instrumental in getting Meier noticed.
“Madalen has been on our radar for a bit now, and Shea was huge in helping me reach out to her,” Foltz said. “I was impressed with her game and her growth over the last few seasons, and again, anytime you can get a local commitment, it’s a big deal, and we’re so thrilled to have her compete for us next season.”
The Fort Lewis men’s program also got two other commitments, one from the Front Range and the other from Farmington.
River Smalley is a state champion from New Mexico and starred for the Piedra Vista High School team that won the state championship last season. During the off-season, Smalley continued to improve his game, as he played at the famed Pebble Beach golf course in California in September at the Pure Insurance Championship.
“River is a great kid, plays hard and is family-oriented, which is so huge with me,” Foltz said. “I gave him a look and I was really impressed with his game. His swing path is incredible, and I honestly believe he’s got the potential to be one of the best golfers in the nation within the next couple of years. He’s proven he can play in major events and wants to play at a school where he knows he’ll succeed.”
Smalley finished at 15-over par for a three-day total of 172 at the New Mexico High School 6A Championship in May, which tied him for 19th overall.
The last commitment came from Riley Rottschafer out of Centennial, as he starred for Arapahoe High School this past season. Rottschafer was captain of the golf team, and that’s exactly what Foltz saw.
“Riley is the big motivator,” Foltz said. “He was the captain at Arapahoe and was fantastic there, and his game and background took off with me. I think he is going to be a huge asset for us going forward, and I can’t wait to see how much his golf game improves.”
Rottschafer finished the CHSAA Class 5A state championship with a 9-over par, which was 10th best, and as a result, was named to the first-team All-State with the performance.
Foltz said he is looking forward to the next few seasons and where the program will go.
“Golf is starting to become bigger and bigger here on campus everyday,” Foltz said. “This is just the beginning for us, and with the direction we’re heading in, I can see big things for us in the future.”
bploen@ durangoherald.com
