Outlaws golfers are state champs

Nobody talked about it much, but after finishing second in the state golf tournament last season, the Sisters boys golf team had the state championship as its goal for this year.

They had beaten everyone in sight, even the larger schools at the 4A level. They had set school records for team score six times in the process, and tied several individual scoring records. They had blown away the conference by winning the district tournament by an impressive 57-stroke margin.

The season would have been a success by any standard, but on Tuesday, May 15, they added the capstone to their list of achievements by winning the state championship in a dramatic, come-from-behind-victory.

It was Sisters' first state championship in golf.

The two-day championship tournament was held Monday and Tuesday, May 14-15 at Eagle Ridge golf course at Eagle Crest. The first day ended with the Outlaws in second place behind last year's champion, Taft, by two strokes ¤ 308 to 306.

"The wind blew 30 m.p.h. the first day, which really affected things," Coach Jeff Barton said. "The next day was drizzly and chilly, but there was no wind, and that made a difference in the scoring. It was anybody's golf match."

Sisters' winning pace included two scoring records on the second day. First, they shot a blistering 294, which set a new team mark.

(Team scores are tallied by adding together four of 4the five best individual scores.)

Taft also broke the 300 barrier and stroked a remarkable 297 to finish one stroke behind for the two days, 602 to 603. Valley Catholic finished in third place at 614.

"Taft shoots 297 the second day and loses ¤ unbelievable," Barton said. "Our kids played very, very well, especially Jonathon Green."

After carding a team-leading 74 on day one, Green shot a five-under-par 67 on day two to finish at 141.

His effort made him the co-medalist, along with Craig Nelson of Valley Catholic, who shot 72/69 (141).

Green's 67 was the second Sisters record to fall that day. The Outlaw picked a good time to come through with a record-setting performance.

"If you had told me that Jonathon would have to shoot a 67 for us to win, I wouldn't have liked our chances," Barton acknowledged. "It's a testament to our kids' determination. They are great kids, and it's been a wonderful season."

It took a total team effort to win the state title, with every shot counting, and all five players contributing.

At one point, Evan Godsiff chipped in from off the green for a two-under-par eagle, which was part of the one-stroke victory. Christian Green finished with 152 (75/77), Keegan Mason shot 156 (82/74), Evan Godsiff had 158 (77/81), with David Green right behind at 159 (83/76.)

Barton said, "Taft beat us last year, and it took everybody to beat them this year. The difference was our depth. Taft's coach told me that he thought our depth was superior to his, and after it was over, he said, 'I told you so.'"

The Outlaws hope to maintain that depth.

"I want to mention Justin Little, our sixth man," Barton said. "He was always ready to play well when somebody else went flat. Next year, he'll be one of our main guys. We lose Keegan and Evan, who are seniors."