Rookie Rush

"Rookie Rush: Where Legends Are Born and Shadows Loom"

Well, folks, the dust has settled on the first round of the ElevateUT Showdown Series, and let me tell you, the cosmic winds of New Proxima carried more than just a chill this week. With temperatures hovering at a brisk 33.6°F and a light southern breeze, the cowboys and their dinosaur partners had to dig deep to find their rhythm. But as I always say, "A true space cowboy doesn’t just ride the wind—they become it." And boy, did we see some riders rise to the occasion.

MPO Division: A Duel Under the Twin Suns

The MPO division was a showdown for the ages, with Landon Adams and Tyler Waldo trading blows like two gunslingers at high noon. Landon fired first, taking the lead after hole 9 with a blistering -9, but Tyler wasn’t about to back down, snatching it back on hole 10. The tension was thicker than Nebula’s hide after a sandstorm. But in the end, Landon reclaimed the lead on hole 16, finishing at -9 with a 1033 rating. Tyler settled for second at -7, while Houston Finch rounded out the podium at -5. These boys are playing like they’ve got something to prove, and I reckon this is just the beginning of a season-long shootout.

MA4 Division: The Young Guns Rise

Over in the MA4 division, the rookies were out in full force, and Erik Hansen proved he’s got the grit to hang with the big dogs. After Brian Bowling took an early lead on hole 4, Erik clawed his way back, seizing the top spot on hole 16 and finishing at +9. Brian held strong at +11, but it’s clear these young guns are just getting warmed up. Keep an eye on Erik—he’s got the makings of a future legend.

MP40 Division: Veterans Show Their Mettle

The MP40 division was a masterclass in experience, with Dustin Hanson and John Matern trading leads like old friends swapping stories around a campfire. John took the lead on hole 6, only for Dustin to snatch it back on hole 7. The back-and-forth continued until Dustin finally sealed the deal on hole 17, finishing at +3. These veterans are proving that age is just a number, and their dinosaur partners are as sharp as ever.

MA1 Division: A Battle of Precision

In the MA1 division, Kyle Riordan showed why he’s a name to remember, taking the lead on hole 14 and finishing at +7. Nicholas Jennings put up a valiant fight at +9, but Kyle’s precision on the back nine was the difference. These boys are playing with fire, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them climbing the ranks as the season progresses.

FA2 Division: Grit and Determination

The FA2 division saw Marta Villa and Afton Bodell battling it out in a display of pure determination. Marta held steady at +11, while Afton finished at +15. These cowgirls are proving that the sport isn’t just about power—it’s about heart, and they’ve got plenty of it.

CTP Winner and Exceptional Performances

Now, let’s talk about Scott Belchak’s CTP-winning shot on hole #1(A). Folks, this was a thing of beauty—a hyzer flip with his Fuse in a tailwind that parked it tighter than a Zokusaur’s saddle. And speaking of exceptional performances, Brian Bowling was the only player to birdie hole 3 and hole 12, two of the toughest on the course. That’s the kind of grit that makes a space cowboy legend.

Looking Ahead

As we head into week 2, the shadows of Raven Blackwood’s influence loom large. With whispers of illegal augmentations and suspicious accidents, the stakes are higher than ever. But if this week is any indication, the cowboys and cowgirls of the ElevateUT Showdown Series are ready to rise to the challenge. So saddle up, folks—this season’s gonna be one for the history books.

Until next time, keep your discs flying true and your dinosaur partners close. The stars are watching, and the game is just getting started.