As the spring sports season gets underway, the Pahrump Valley High School boys golf team is preparing for what longtime Head Coach Bob Hopkins believes could be a very promising year. With strong returning talent, new additions to the roster, and a schedule that brings several major events closer to home, the Trojans enter the season with both experience and optimism on their side.
One of the biggest changes this year comes on the coaching staff. After approximately 25 years assisting alongside Hopkins, longtime coach Steve Nygaard has stepped back from his regular role. While Nygaard will no longer serve as a full-time assistant, he remains closely connected to the program and will continue to volunteer and help when needed, particularly during home matches and tournaments.
Stepping into the assistant coaching role is Danny Clift, who has previously volunteered with the team over the years.
“Danny Clift, who’s always been a volunteer with us when we needed him, is going to step in and take over for Steve,” Hopkins said. “Steve will still help whenever we need him, so they’ll kind of switch positions.”
Nygaard’s continued involvement will be especially valuable during tournaments, including the upcoming Pahrump Valley Invitational (PVI), one of the program’s largest annual events.
Despite the staffing adjustments, Hopkins said the program’s foundation remains strong — something reflected immediately in early practices.
“The golf season looks pretty promising,” Hopkins said. “The first practices we’ve had about 13 boys out, and they can all get around the course, which is nice.”
The Trojans return a strong core from last season’s state-qualifying team, having lost only two seniors, Matt Lopez and Carter Nygaard, to graduation. Key returning players include Keir Sheppard, Cayden Cowley, Travis Floyd and Kamden Moore, along with Samson Wagner, who saw significant varsity action last season.
That returning experience gives PVHS a solid base as they look to build on last year’s success.
Several new and returning athletes are expected to strengthen the lineup as well. Aaron Rily has transitioned from baseball to golf this season and is expected to make an immediate impact, while T.C. Hone has also made the move to focus on golf. Hopkins believes both additions will add depth and competitiveness to the roster.
Another familiar name joining the team is Hopkins’ grandson, Caden Briscoe, who previously competed in the PGA Junior League when he was younger. Though he hasn’t played consistently in recent years, Hopkins said he still has the ability to contribute.
“He can get around the course,” Hopkins said, noting that experience and comfort on the course often translate quickly at the high school level.
Additional returning players Tanner Gott and Kelden Frederiksen round out a growing roster that Hopkins says is defined not only by numbers but by attitude.
“I think we’re going to have a real successful boys golf season from what I can see — and a great group of kids. That makes it fun,” he said.
The Trojans’ schedule also brings exciting opportunities, including additional home competitions. PVHS will host a dual meet against Boulder City on March 25, allowing both schools to field expanded lineups and give more players competitive experience. Another home date, currently listed as an additional Boulder City matchup, will actually serve as a full league event featuring all conference teams.
PVHS will also host the regional tournament this season, and the state championship will be held in Southern Nevada as well — eliminating the need for long northern travel that has historically introduced challenging weather conditions.
Last season’s state tournament served as a reminder of how unpredictable conditions can be, as players battled rain, wind and cold during competition.
“The first day was nice and the second day was absolutely miserable,” Hopkins recalled. “It rained and it rained and it rained.”
The format of competition will vary throughout the season. Tournament play typically features five golfers competing with the top four scores counting toward the team total, while league matches allow six players with four scores counting. Dual meets provide Hopkins with the opportunity to expand participation and give more athletes valuable match experience — something he considers critical in a sport where roster sizes often exceed competitive slots.
To fairly determine lineups, the team will hold multiple qualifying rounds, including nine-hole qualifiers followed by planned 18-hole rounds during upcoming school holidays, ensuring players have multiple opportunities to earn tournament spots.
“Doing it that way, if somebody plays bad one day, they always have a chance to come back,” Hopkins said.
As practices begin in typically unpredictable early-spring weather, Hopkins remains confident in both the team’s preparation and its potential. With experienced returners, motivated newcomers, and a schedule that favors local competition, the Trojans appear positioned to build on last year’s momentum.
If early practices are any indication, PVHS boys golf has the depth and experience to position itself as a strong contender again this season.
