Thompson Falls golf tees off

THOMPSON FALLS – Even though the Bluehawk Golf team did not have access to their golf course, the team has been working hard to prepare for their first meet this weekend.

With snow still on their course, the golfers traveled to Plains where they practiced for three days last week. The team also utilized the range and will have eight full days of practice come meet time.

This year Head Coach Gary Thompson is very optimistic. The team has three starters returning from last year and another strong athlete who recently transferred to Thompson Falls.

“We’re going to be pretty strong team wise,” Coach Thompson said.

He expects strong performances from returning golfers Caleb Bates, Dalton Hooten and Jake Smith. William Gallivan is a new force added to the team. Gallivan transferred from Tennessee and Coach Thompson said he should be within the top three players this year.

In all, there are eight golfers – 6 boys and 2 girls.

Abby Croft is returning for the girls, while Bailey Pardee is new to the high school team.

The team has been preparing themselves for their first tournament in Loyola, which will take place on April 3-4. The tournament will be a good indicator of what is to come.

“That’s a big one. We’ll get there, swing back and get ready to score,” Coach Thompson said.

According to Coach Thompson, the Loyola tournament will help them wage where they sit for the season. With a large number of schools participating, the competition will be fierce.

The goal is to come out of the tournament within the top five.

“Hopefully the weather will be nice and we’ll get it in without too many problems,” Coach Thompson said.

He said the team to beat was Loyola once again. They have won the State title for five years in a row and look to be strong again this year.

“We’ll go after them but second would be sweet,” Coach Thompson said with a laugh.

The team is ready to give it their all in hopes of coming out on top.