While many of his freshman classmates busied themselves with English essays over the summer, Jeff Roseth, ’12, stood over an 8-foot putt for par at the Idaho State Junior Championship.

The putt fell and the freshman claimed his first state title-his second victory in six tournaments at Rupert Country Club in Rupert, Idaho, Aug. 11-12.

“I felt very relieved and happy when that putt went in,” Roseth said. “I had the same putt earlier in the day and was confident that I could make it. The course was difficult and I was glad to not have to play any more holes.”

Roseth’s family took a month-and-a-half long vacation at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, home of the world-famous Coeur d’Alene golf resort. In an effort to polish his skills, the 14-year-old Roseth entered five golf tournaments during their stay.

An even-par 72 in a prior qualifying tournament earned him his first victory in Idaho. He followed that up with play in four other events, catching the attention of the state championship tournament directors.

“I was just planning on playing a few little tournaments during the trip,” Roseth said. “After playing pretty well in those, I got an invite to the state championship, and ended up winning it.”

Roseth, a 7-handicapper, posted a two-day total of 161 (82-79), which tied him for 1st with Chess Charbol of Pocatello, Idaho, after regulation. He then won the tournament on the second playoff hole (the par-3 2nd) with a par.

“I played better in the final round. There was less wind, and I also hit the ball a lot straighter, and putted better,” Roseth said. “I was nervous, but was able to control the nerves well enough to hit some good shots.”

A quick hook off the tee of the 1st playoff hole (hole No. 1) stymied him behind trees to the left of the fairway, a 70 yard punch out became his only play.

“My opponent was in the middle of the fairway in perfect position for birdie after both of our second shots,” Roseth said. “It was nerve-wracking because I was 220 yards out (from the green) and it wasn’t looking too good.”

Despite his early mistake, Roseth managed to a par. He then hit a six iron shot to the middle of green on the par-3 2nd to secure par and the win.

“Jeff’s win was unexpected,” Betty, Roseth’s mother, said. “After he finished his round we were getting ready to leave, when we heard over the loud speaker that he was in a playoff for 1st place. We were very shocked, but he played well and won.”

While the six tournaments packed athletic competition into the trip, golf was not the only thing on Roseth’s itinerary. He also found time to spend time with fellow FC freshman Brian Kinghorn, and a few other friends at Lake Coeur d’Alene.

“We climbed up this really tall ladder to the top of a bridge and jumped off,” Roseth said. “It got scarier and scarier as we went higher, because it was a long way down, and very nerve-wracking.”

The thirty foot plunge (just under the equivalent of an Olympic Platform dive into the lake, stood out as one of the highlights of his trip.

Though yet to strike a shot in a high school match, Roseth hopes his summer play carries over to the upcoming golf season.

He prepares to join the Eagles team that accumulated a 10-0 record in ’08 and won the school’s first Southwest Sierra League championship.

“Jeff has spent a lot of time on his game, and has it in order,” head golf coach Jeff Hopper said. “We look forward to him being a major contributor on our team this year and in the future.”

With golf season still six months away, Roseth intends to hit the Sunnyside Country Club driving range and continue to utilize lessons with swing coach, Jim Perez, in order to improve over the off-season.