A year after its highest finish in program history, the Riverton golf team is looking for even more in 2025. 

The Silverwolves placed fifth in the Class 6A state tournament last season, the best mark since the school opened its doors. The competition will be challenging again this season, but head coach Kelly Pehrson sees no reason why Riverton can’t compete for the state crown. 

“Last year, our team had the best season that Riverton High School has ever had,” Pehrson said. “We have most of that team back this year, with that same core team even stronger this year. So to be as humble as I can, our goal and expectation this year is to win 6A golf for the first time. I am confident in my boys. They have worked tirelessly for this, and it's their time to shine.”

Pehrson is now in his fourth season with the team, meaning this year’s seniors were freshmen when he took over as head coach. It’s gratifying for him to work with players who have been with him for his entire Riverton career. He spoke glowingly of his senior class and the team as a whole. The players’ attitudes have been excellent, he said, and they get along well. 

“I have been so excited for this season,” Pehrson said. “This senior class is the group that I started coaching with four years ago. I have seen how hard they have worked for this and how their golf games have matured. They are a close group, and they have pushed each other to get better each year. The entire team has fed off this senior leadership. We have some amazing talent, not only with the seniors but with the underclassmen as well. It’s just an amazing group of kids that makes coaching so fun and easy.”

Leading the way for the Silverwolves is senior Jaxon Erickson, a standout golfer who has been the team’s top player since his freshman year. Erickson won’t end his competitive golf career once the season ends. He’ll continue playing at the collegiate level at the University of Utah. 

“[Erickson’s] game, his attitude and his confidence are contagious to the rest of the team,” Pehrson said. 

Four other seniors help lead the team and provide examples for the younger players. Pehrson said senior Boston Knight “works harder than anyone I have watched.” There’s also senior Warren Fisher, a vocal leader, who, according to Pehrson “is a very strong voice that the rest of the team listens to and follows.” Fellow seniors Kash Kimball and Trey Pehrson round out the 12th graders on the squad who have helped turn the program into a state contender. 

“[Kimball] has played more rounds of golf this summer than ever,” Kelly Pehrson said. “Trey Pehrson is our silent but steady player who is peaking at the right time. This core group of seniors has created what every coach dreams of: an expectation and legacy for what talent there is at Riverton High School.”

But there’s more to Riverton boys golf than the seniors. 

Pehrson is grateful to coach a strong group of underclassmen. The juniors, sophomores and freshmen on the team bolster Riverton. They’re also proof that the future is bright for the program. Austin Bennion and Lincoln Judd were both in the top six last season. They were dedicated during the offseason to improving their game. 

“They are not secret weapons anymore; these two have made names for themselves with how well they competed all summer,” Pehrson said of Bennion and Judd. 

In addition, juniors Jackson Holt and Brevin Blake, as well as sophomores Cannon Smith and Hudson Boardman, are the most improved players on the team, Pehrson said. They will be working hard to make the six-player team that competes at the state tournament. Meanwhile, juniors Sebastian Dunaway and Koby Kerekes; sophomores Paden Newbold and Brock Curtis; and freshmen Mason Judd and Beckett Stewart are already making an impact and turning heads. 

“Our newcomers that made the team this year fit right in with the rest of the team with their work ethic and passion for the game,” Pehrson said. “We kept 17 of the most talented players who will continue to set a precedent at Riverton High School.” 

Riverton’s players haven’t struggled with their commitment. Pehrson said their work ethic has been outstanding. Combine this hard work with the players’ talent, and the Silverwolves could be a scary team this season. If the players have confidence in themselves, Pehrson said that success should come. 

“They need to trust their talent,” he said. “When I say they have worked tirelessly, I really mean it. They haven't stopped practicing since last year’s season ended. They practice in simulators all winter, they play in 20-plus youth golf tournaments and just spend hours and hours on the driving range. For us to accomplish our goal, they need to play fearless and swing with confidence. Our motto this year is ‘All 18,’ meaning they need to be focused for all 18 holes of every tournament. If we do that, I know they will succeed.”

Perhaps the biggest challenge that Pehrson has is an issue that a lot of coaches would love to have: so many players. Unfortunately, Riverton won’t be able to take all the players to state, as only the top six qualify. Pehrson expects a lot of competition within the team to see who emerges with the lowest scores. 

No matter where the team finishes this season, Pehrson is thrilled with the chance he has to coach this group and watch his players achieve their goals—on and off the golf course. 

“I enjoy watching these boys become confident and good young men, not only in golf but whatever they choose to do,” he said. “I hope they know if they put in the time and energy like they have done in golf, in whatever they choose to do after high school, they will be successful. It is hard as a coach to see my players leave and move on with life, but I hope our program has shown them what hard work does and the possibilities that can open up for them.”