CCS high school students lined the halls on Wednesday, Oct. 9 to give sophomore Brycen Blake a proper send-off as he left for the 2024 Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) State Golf tournament. The TSSAA tournament took place Oct. 10-11 at The Sevierville Golf Club – River Course in Sevierville, Tenn. Blake’s first round was at 8:41 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Making the state tournament is a triumph for Blake, who said he puts in hours on the course every week and has treated this week leading up to state like any other, sticking to his same routines.

“It is an amazing feeling because I have worked super hard over the past few years, and it is great to accomplish something like this,” he said. “I have some of the best teammates in the world who push me to be better everyday and help me through hard times. My coach has been great to me as well. I am thankful for all of my coaches.”

CCS golf coach Ray Russell said proudly, “Brycen Blake shot an even-par 72 (39-33) in the region tournament to earn one of two individual spots in the state tournament. He is the first CCS male golfer to play in the state tournament since CCS moved to the higher division.”

When asked about how the school’s program and new Golf Center have helped his game, Blake said, “I love the new facilities; they’ve helped a lot, especially on the rainy days when I can't practice outdoors.”

Blake has been playing golf with his dad his whole life but began to pursue it seriously around age 10 or 11. He said that he began practicing most every day since and hasn’t stopped. His favorite part about playing golf is the nerves before the tournament.

“I love the warm-up and nervousness before a tournament. There’s nothing like it,” he said.

As he looks toward the tournament, Blake said his dad continues to inspire him and encourage him to play his best.

“My dad has been a big part of why I am doing what I do today,” he said. “There have been a lot of late-night, dark practice sessions. My dad has been there through the bad golf and the good, and I am so thankful for him and my swing coach for all they have done to help me to this point.”

Blake scored 152 and tied 18th out of 36 competitors.