Class B boys, girls state golf tournament at Eagle Bend

Bigfork will have two boys and one girl on the links today for the Class B state golf tournament at Eagle Bend Golf Club.

Lars Gittings, Blake Weimer and Maddie Lorang all qualified for state last week at the Division 3 meet in Bozeman at Bridger Creek Golf Course.

Weimer shot an 81 to place sixth, Gittings carded an 87 to tie for 15th and Lorang shot 109 to place 15th.

The top 15 individuals and top four teams from division meets earned the right to compete at state.

Play starts today at Eagle Bend with tee times at 7:30 a.m. The final foursomes begin at 11:20.

Gittings finished tied for 11th at state last year, shooting 84-77—161 at Pryor Creek Golf Club on the Johnny Walker Course. Tom Swanson of Loyola was the medalist — 72-67—139. He’s back, is having another outstanding spring season and will be one of the favorites.

Swanson shot a 70 to win Division 3 medalist honors last week, edging teammates Jared Greer and Tommy Tirrell by two shots and Justin Galiher by four.

Galiher was 15th at state last year.

On the team front, look for Loyola’s boys to repeat.

Malta is the defending state champs in girls play. The M-ettes edged Loyola by 17 shots to claim the trophy.

Loyola’s Maggie Crippen, last year’s medalist, returns, along with teammate Sadie Crippen.

Maggie Crippen shot 72-71—143 at state a year ago to win by seven shots.

The 36-hole tournament ends Wednesday.