Bluehawks golf team takes third at state

THOMPSON FALLS – The boy’s Bluehawks golf lived up to their expectations at the state tournament in Bigfork, bringing home the third place prize.

Never playing the course before, the team gave it their all with a final score of 711 – just two points shy of second place.

Caleb Bates had a score of 171; Dalton Hooten had 174; Tyler Bates had 180; Ross Dalby had 186; and Greg Wadsworth had a score of 214.

Head Coach Gary Thompson said the boys did not disappoint at the tournament.

“It went as good as we had hoped for,” said Coach Thompson, although he did admit the boys were a little disappointed that they missed second by two shots. “I was elated and the kids were very glad too. We didn’t know if we would even get to state and showed up and got third.”

A look at the overall season had Coach Thompson a pleased man.

“We attained more than I expected. I wanted to get the whole team to state and we got that accomplished. I’m impressed with how hard these kids worked and how committed they were to getting there,” said Coach Thompson.

According to Thompson the team will be losing two seniors: Ross Dalby and Tyler Bates.

With two great players moving on, Coach Thompson still has high hopes for next year.

This year 12 boys came out for the team although that number was cut and the team total came out to eight. Coach Thompson hopes the other boys will be back to tryout and he also has some good freshmen are coming in.

All of his players expressed an interest of coming back so the team plans to have six returning payers.

As for the girls team, Coach Thompson said they are going to hit hard at recruiting and try to get a team going. This year two girls came out for golf and in order to have a team, Thompson Falls needs five.