AA state golf: Bozeman bound
High hopes are following both the Flathead and Glacier golf teams, as they trek to Bozeman for the 2014 MHSA State Golf Tournament at the Bridger Creek Golf Course.
Each squad has individuals with not only state tournament experience, but success at the final event of the season as well.
At last year’s state tournament, the Glacier boys finished in sixth place in the team standings with three golfers placing in the top-15. The Wolfpack was paced by Tom Mann—his 149 was good enough for a five-way tie for fifth place—and Cody Sherill who shot a 150 for a four-way tie for tenth place.
Sherill has some momentum up his sleeve. He shot a one-under 71 in his final round of the Kalispell Invitational, finishing with a 138 for the individual title.
Mann wasn’t far behind. He shot two-under 70 in his final round, finishing with a 147 for a third-place tie.
Whether it’s Mann, Sherill or Scot Larson—the team’s third highest state finisher in 2013—the Wolfpack is hungry for state success.
“I think this is one of the most week prepare teams I have ever coached,” Glacier coach Jim Schaible said.
“These kids are ready to play, ready to do their best. Their confidence is quite high right now and not arrogantly. It’s good to see.”
The Glacier trio will have plenty of company from Flathead’s Ryan Keenan. Keenan was the only Brave to finish in the top-15 at the 2013 tournament, and was tied with Mann at the Kalispell Invitational. His familiarity with Birdger Creek gives him an opportunity to best his 2013 state finish— a 150 which left him tied for tenth while the Flathead Braves finished ninth as a team.
“He’s been looking good,” Flathead coach Jess Roper said.
“He has to stay consistent, hit his greens and make his putts. He has been down to Bridger Creek a couple times. He played a junior event there and I think that’ll help him.”
On the girls side, Glacier’s Teigan Avery has hit her stride at the right time. A state champion in 2013, Avery is coming off a Kalispell Invitational victory where she came from behind in her second round to beat Whitefish’s Coral Schulz. It was Avery’s second straight-tournament title of the season as she gets ready for her title defense in Bozeman.
“We talked about being able to finish strong. It doesn’t always help to be the front runner if you don’t a have a strong finish,” Schaible said.
“’Keep your composure, keep you mental game in check and the rest will follow.’ I think that’s her goal (to repeat as state champion) and I know she won’t be satisfied with anything else. It’s going to be a tight race. Everyone is always after the one on the top.”
For Flathead, Jenna Jensen returns to the state tournament as the Bravettes lone top-15 finisher in 2013 where she shot a 175 to tie for 11th place.
Jensen was also the highest Flathead finisher at the Kalispell Invitational, shooting a 172 for seventh place.
“She’s been looking good. It’s her senior year, and she’s been playing great,” Roper said.
“I think she wants to finish well, and I think she’s more comfortable with every thing. She a was all-state last year, as was Ryan, I think they’re both looking for a top-10 finish.”
The talented field tees off today at 9 a.m. with the par-71 course in Bozeman the standing between them and a state championship.