Spring Lake Park's Sienko seeks more than return to state golf meet

Amid a surge that would propel him back to the state golf tournament, Pete Sienko of Spring Lake Park remained his unflappable self.

He started the back nine of last spring's section meet with three consecutive birdies en route to medalist honors. Panthers coach Will Wackman said he "had to find out from the other kids in his group how great he was playing because Pete didn't say anything."

But that's just Sienko.

"He is even-keeled and his demeanor never really changes," Wackman said. "He's almost boring. But I asked him his goals for this year and he said, 'I want to be a state champion.' So the fire is there."

Sienko, a senior this spring, went to state with Spring Lake Park as an eighth-grader, finishing tied for 55th. As a junior, he improved to 26th. He spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at Totino-Grace but fell short of state each time.

He spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about deciding to leave Totino-Grace for Spring Lake Park, gaining experience through adversity and not letting an injury ruin his senior season.

Q: First off, were you aware there is a Shane Sienko from St. Thomas Academy who is your age and finished ahead of you at the state golf tournament last year?

Q: What was the motivation to attend Totino-Grace after you had played golf as an eighth-grader with Spring Lake Park's varsity?

A: Better education and whatnot. It was a change I wanted.

Q: What was the motivation to transfer to Spring Lake Park as a junior?

A: It's where all my friends were and I was starting to hang out with all those guys again. It's where I wanted to finish my high school career.

Q: The two years you attended Totino-Grace happened to be the two years you did not reach the state tournament. What was going on with your game those years?

Q: What helped you get over the hump as a junior last year?

A: I was having a lot of success last year. I was playing really well during the high school season. My game was where I wanted it to be and I was really confident going into sections. I just told myself, 'Relax. It's just another round of golf. Go out and play the way you've been playing all year and get the job done.'

Q: Will Wackman said he likes your even keel. It sounds like it took a little time to build that mentality.

A: Yeah, as the years go on you gain experience. I try to go out there like I'm playing with my buddies and take my time and do the things I need to do.

Q: What have you done to really hone your game going into this season?