Iverson, Glacier golfers in title hunt at state

DAVID LESNICK/The Daily Inter Lake

Play begins today in Bozeman

The trophy case at Glacier High School might not remain empty for very long.

The new Class AA school, just months into the prep sports scene, could have its first piece of hardware on display there this week.

The Glacier boys' golf team is one of the favorites at the AA state meet today and Tuesday in Bozeman.

The meet was originally scheduled for last Friday and Saturday, but with snow in the weather forecast, the event was rescheduled.

State play starts today at 9 a.m. The two hosting courses are Riverside Country Club and Bridger Golf Course.

The Wolfpack have been one of the top teams in invitational action this fall. They are led by multi-meet medalist Larry Iverson III, a junior, and a talented supporting cast - Justin Newton, junior; Grahm Schmaltz, sophomore, Andrew Young, junior, and Jake Miller, junior.

"(The boys) are probably a little more favored to win a trophy than (our) girls," said Glacier coach Rob Logsdon.

"We have been working hard with the boys to focus on the little things to set themselves up for making good shots."

That could be critical this week as weather may still be a factor. Temperatures in the 50s are expected with rain and wind helping make for a miserable couple days on the links.

"What they need to do is slow down a little bit," Logsdon said of playing in inclement weather.

"Be more relaxed, be more patient."

Glacier, Billings West and Missoula Sentinel are the three leading teams in boys' play.

Individually, Iverson, Jake Hedge of West, Jaden Treece of Flathead, Ben Piersall of Flathead, Colin Gunstream of Hellgate, Brian Beach of Big Sky, Austin Edwards of Sentinel, Tyler Wengle of Butte and Ben Ternes of Capital will battle for medalist honors.

Hedge won it last year while Iverson tied for fourth and was 14 shots back. Hedge and Iverson have played in two tournaments thus far, splitting medalist honors.

"He's had a couple weeks in a row now where he hasn't put two rounds together like he normally does," Logsdon said of Iverson.

"He's still finishing first, or second (in tournaments)."

Logsdon expects that to change. And weather should not affect Iverson's game dramatically.

"He's got a great game in bad weather," Logsdon said.

Billing West is the defending state champion.

"He's been our No. 1 all year," said Flathead coach Kim Elliott of Treece.

"He's playing his best golf right now."

Treece shot a 75 on the final day of the Flatfish Invitational, which was the second best score of the day.

"He's got a great mental attitude," Elliott said.

"He's solid all over. He's a smart player. He knows when to put the driver away and play an iron."

Billings West is also the defending champion on the girls' side.

Morgan Lee of Great Falls High, Whitney Lamb of Missoula Hellgate, Natalie Beard of C.M. Russell, Alexa Bell of C.M. Russell, Ashleigh Ogolin of Butte, Julie Campbell of Bozeman and Erin King of West are medalist contenders.

Bozeman, West, C.M. Russell and Butte are the team favorites.

The Bravettes are led by Betsy Engle. The senior competed at state last year, posting the second best mark for the team.

"The only one who has averaged under 100 all year," said Elliott.

"All the girls under 100 (at state) would be fantastic for them."

Glacier has two girls with state experience - Karli Aurich, a sophomore, and Taran Brown, a junior. Aurich had the best showing for Flathead at state last year.

"They have a chance (to do well at state)," said Logsdon of his girls.

"Their goal, be in the top five. That would be a giant accomplishment."

AA State Golf

Flathead Rosters

Boys - Jaden Treece, sr.; Ben Piersall, sr.; Michael Revis, sr.; Ian Hineman, jr; Ian Gillespie, fr.

Girls - Betsy Engle, sr.; Julia Bechtold, jr.; Sarah Cunningham, jr.; Beth McNutt, jr.; Callie Toth, fr.

Glacier Rosters

BOYS - Larry Iverson III, jr.; Justin Newton, jr.; Grahm Schmaltz, so.; Aaron Young, jr.; Jake Miller, jr.

GIRLS - Karli Aurich, so.; Taran Brown, jr.; Elsie Satterfield, so.; Martha Obermiller, jr.; Justine Klein, so.