Men's golf steps up to support teammates' ailing brother

  Sun City, AZ – There was something far more important than mere golf on the minds of the Mesa men's golf team as it opened play in the Scottsdale Invitational Monday.

  Just days earlier the squad had learned that teammate Jake Guess' brother Zac had been diagnosed with Leukemia. The 16-year-old junior at Red Mountain H.S. in Mesa faces a three-year battle to defeat the disease.

  So, Guess' teammates responded in a big way. On their own, team members began to visit Zac in the hospital. Some of the women's squad members have also joined in.

  As a show of support the T-Birds began wearing orange ribbons on their hats on the first day of play Monday and will continue the tribute for the rest of the year.

  "The guys have really stepped up to support Zac and Jake," said head coach John Guerrero. "I am really proud of them and we will do all we can to help the Guess family through this ordeal."

  In the actual golf, MCC shot a 294 to trail South Mountain which had a 283 at the Hillcrest G.C.

  Guess responded with an even-par 72 to tie for fifth place. Brad Pottle and Zane Smith each carded a 73 to tie for eighth place.

  The tournament concludes Tuesday, but the team's support for the Guess family will continue forever.