Bluehawks' boys, girls golf capture second in Thompson Falls
Thompson Falls’ boys, girls golf coach Mike Bates continues to see his teams make progress as both groups captured second place in the Thompson Falls Invite Saturday at Rivers Bend Golf Course.
Bates said both of his Bluehawk teams continue to “cut strokes” as they compete in each tournament.
“I am really happy the way things are going for us and both of our teams are headed in the right direction,” Bates said. “I am looking forward to both of them getting stronger towards the end of the season.”
Bates said he and his Bluehawk team were finally able to enjoy favorable weather conditions on the greens.
“All year, since we started the season, this has been the nicest day of weather we’ve gotten since the beginning of the season,” Bates said. “We’ve been normally playing in the rain and the kids are out in the wind, rain, and snow-spitting weather. It’s just been horrible competing out there.”
The Bluehawks’ boys team finished second shooting a team score of 363 falling eight strokes behind first place Loyola, who fired a team total of 355.
Dylan Beckman was the only Bluehawk to finish in the top 10 on the boys side. Beckman finished one stroke behind Bigfork’s second place finisher Colton Stodghill, who finished with an 81. The individual winner, Libby’s Ryggs Johnston, won the competition by 12 strokes by tallying a 69.
“Beckman normally plays well,” Bates said. “I kind of liked how all of them shot on Saturday. They all played pretty well.”
Bates said his team was “a little off” compared to previous tournaments but acknowledged he continues to see overall improvement.
“I am pretty proud of both of teams,” Bates said. “Our team is headed in the right direction and until we make it to divisional, we will have to see what happens because state is always up for grabs and anyone has a chance.”
Girls team finishes second behind LSH
The Thompson Falls’ girls team captured second behind a Loyola team that scorched the competition at the Thompson Falls Invite Saturday at Rivers Bend Golf Course.
The Lady Rams collectively were definitely dominant, winning the tournament by 77 strokes. Loyola shot a team total of 377 and Thompson Falls finished the day in second with a 454.
The Lady Rams finished the competition with the top three: medalist Kylie Ash (80), Isadora Tomazeli (86), and Katie Fagg finished the tournament shooting a 91.
“There weren’t very many girls that had a team,” Bates said. “Loyola looked really sharp.”
The Lady Bluehawks weren’t to be outdone by the Lady Rams’ medals. Thompson Falls placed three of their own in the top 10. Jessica Browner fired a 99 to place fourth overall behind the Lady Rams. Elsie Brown finished with a 106 and Julia Vanicek shot a 109 to place ninth.
“I am really proud of the girls as they’ve come a long way,” Bates said. “I don’t have any seniors on the team and I am going to get everyone back next year. It’ll be interesting to see them progress. The boys and girls have both made huge strides. Our goal is to have both teams get through Divisional and we will see what happens at state.”