For the first time in the 19-year history of the Kenneth Smith Golf Award, co-winners were selected- and both come from a Shawnee Mission school.
The two golfers, from Shawnee Mission Northwest were named recipients of the prestigious award that recognizes skill on the course, solid academics, good sportsmanship, community service and integrity toward the game and others. Christian Ghilardi, recent graduate and Joe Bultman, incoming senior were presented the awards on Thursday.
Mr. Pat McMahon, with the Kenneth and Eva Smith Charitable Foundation presented the awards to the students who have earned multiple records and titles while in high school.
Bultman placed in the top 10 of nine tournaments. Bultman was the Sunflower League Champion (won by a tie-breaker over his teammate Ghilardi). He was also first in Kansas 6A with a season scoring average of 72.6, the second lowest in school history.
During his four years of high school, Ghilardi won nine tournaments and 54 medals. Ghilardi had three of the top four annual scoring averages in school history, including a 73.3 scoring average for the past school year, which ranked second in Kansas 6A (second only to teammate, Joe Bultman). Ghilardi will attend the University of Kansas this fall while joining the Jayhawk’s golf team.
The two golfers have known each other since fifth grade and have belonged to the same golf course since sixth grade. They have been teammates and competitors throughout their golf careers, each helping to improve the other’s game. In remarks they thanked Jim Bamburg, SM Northwest golf coach, Angelo Giacalone, SM Northwest athletic director, and Dr. Lisa Gruman, SM Northwest principal along with their parents and families.