Kamiak’s Luke Strand (left to right), Brandon Yoon, coach Vic Alinen, Daniel Kim, Brandon Suh and Aaron Choi pose for a photo after winning the Class 4A District 1 team title on May 17. After capturing the 4A state crown in 2019, the Knights are looking to repeat as state champions. (Contributed photo)

Kamiak’s Luke Strand (left to right), Brandon Yoon, coach Vic Alinen, Daniel Kim, Brandon Suh and Aaron Choi pose for a photo after winning the Class 4A District 1 team title on May 17. After capturing the 4A state crown in 2019, the Knights are looking to repeat as state champions. (Contributed photo)

Defending champ Kamiak set for long-awaited state return

Senior Daniel Kim leads a reloaded squad that’s poised for another top finish.

The Kamiak High School boys golf team has been waiting a long time to defend its state championship.

So long, in fact, only one player remains from the last team crowned Class 4A state champs three years ago.

“We laugh about being reigning state champs for three years in a row,” Kamiak coach Vic Alinen said. “It’s kind of a cute little between-us joke.”

But even three years later, the Knights remain the team to beat at state.

The 4A state tournament returns Tuesday and Wednesday at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club in Olympia, following cancellations each of the past two years because of the coronavirus pandemic, and Kamiak is determined to retain the title it claimed in 2019.

“We’ve been waiting a long time,” said senior captain Daniel Kim, the team’s No. 1 player and the lone member of the team who was a part of the 2019 state championship. “We’re excited to get back and play state and defend that title.”

The Knights are coming off a dominating campaign in which they won all of their competitions except one: the prestigious Bill Egbers Memorial tournament, when Kamiak lost to Mead by one stroke when Kim was away playing at a national tournament. The Knights claimed the District 1 championship in style to earn the district’s only team berth to state, meaning Kamiak will have all of their top five participating at state.

It all begins with Kim. The future Washington State University Cougar, who tied for fifth individually at state in 2019 as a freshman, has a plus-5 handicap and is regularly under par. He’s considered a top contender for the individual championship.

“When he was in eighth grade I got a call from the University of Washington coach asking me to bring Daniel down there,” Alinen recalled. “I asked if it was OK if I brought his brother. He said, ‘I don’t care if you bring his mother, just make sure Daniel is there.’ This was an eighth grader. They saw the tenacity, the ferociousness that he wanted to be the very best. He lives that way, and he demonstrates it in the way he responds to blow-up holes or missed putts. He doesn’t change, he’s just a steady guy.”

Kamiak senior and Washington State signee Daniel Kim leads the Knights’ deep and talented team. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Kamiak senior and Washington State signee Daniel Kim leads the Knights’ deep and talented team. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

But it’s not just the Kim show. The Knights round out their lineup with four players who are par golfers in sophomore Brandon Suh, junior Brandon Yoon, freshman Aaron Choi and junior Luke Strand. Although they play as Nos. 2, 3 4 and 5, respectively, they’re essentially equal as players, meaning Kamiak has no weak spots. With only the top four out of five counting toward scoring at state, the Knights can weather one player having an off tournament.

“From top to bottom we always talk about it as a team,” Kim said. “I truly believe we have the most consistent team. We have a lot of depth one through five — even six, though we can only play five. Most teams only have a couple guys who shoot under par, but then maybe their No. 4 and No. 5 are not as similar score-wise. We feel like we have that depth.”

That depth has become a trademark at Kamiak, which no longer rebuilds, but reloads. The Knights, with the likes of Class of 2021 members Josh Clogston and Reese Jorgensen in the fold, would have been among the favorites in both 2020 and 2021 as well.

The key is that the Knights have taken the idea of turning an individual sport into a team sport to heart.

“Most teams have a bunch of individuals who happen to wear the same baseball cap,” Alinen said, noting the Knights always eat together following matches, with each player giving a lowlight and a highlight. “Not us. We have five guys who are the umbrella of a team that trusts each other.

“And Daniel is a great team leader,” Alinen added. “Without me even asking, he’ll see a young man struggling in his game and just kind of walk up alongside him and whisper something to him, whether it’s a technique, a truth or a mental issue, and all of a sudden the kid’s swing is corrected or an attitude changes. He’ll even reach out to guys on other teams. He’s so humble that you just enjoy him.”

Now it’s on to state, and the Knights have lofty goals.

“We want to take as much hardware home as we can,” Kim said.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Mountlake Terrace’s Svayjeet Singh leaps in the air after the basketball during the 3A district loser-out playoff game against Snohomish on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish upsets Mountlake Terrace for first playoff win in 11 years

Bryson Wheat scored 25 in Panthers’ 49-43 win to advance to the District 1 Boys 3A quarterfinals

Marysville Getchell junior Bubba Palocol reverses directions while dribbling against Arlington during a playoff matchup at Arlington High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Thursday, Feb. 13

Marysville Getchell, Lakewood boys each earn district wins

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 2-8. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Kenneth Walker III runs with against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire run game coach

Justin Outten added to staff as Mike Macdonald continues attempts to bolster rushing attack.

Balanced scoring attack leads Gonzaga

Zags take over second place in WCC with 88-77 win over USF.

Julio Rodríguez (left) and manager Dan Wilson (right) of the Seattle Mariners react after the game against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 27, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Dan Wilson begins first spring training as M’s manager

An anxious eagerness to get through the first of… Continue reading

Shorewood senior Bridget Cox (11) elevates to get a shot over Everett senior Aimelie Hovde-Girard (21) in Shorewood's 41-30 win in the opening round of the District 1 3A Girls Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorewood girls basketball avoids Everett upset bid in 41-30 win

Glasser’s ‘dagger’ 3 caps second-half run, pushes No. 5 Stormrays to 3A District 1 Quarterfinals

Prep roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 12

Terrace, Monroe girls advance in district hoops tournament.

Kimberly Beard, a Mukilteo resident who attends King's High School, prepares to release a throw during the 20-pound weight competition at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
Mukilteo’s Kimberly Beard wins throwing event

The King’s High School junior won the 20-pound weight throw at a George Fox indoor meet.

Seahawks right tackle Abraham Lucas (72), who will be coached by his third offensive line coach in three seasons in 2025, lines up in Seattle's 20-17 win over San Francisco at Levi's Stadium on Nov. 17, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire shows they’re serious about offensive line

New offensive coordinator bringing in veterans with hopes of improving front.

Stanwood High School football coach Jeff Scoma talks with the referees during the 3A quarterfinal game against Odea on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former Stanwood football coach lands new Gig

Jeff Scoma, who resigned midseason in 2024, will coach Gig Harbor H.S. next season.

Mariners among biggest offseason losers

Juan Soto, LA Dodgers are among winners as baseball begins.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.