Golfers compete at District Tourney

Sisters boys golf squad competed at the District Tournament held at the Tokatee Golf Course on Monday and Tuesday, May 6 and 7. Marist was the tournament champ with a team score of 617, almost 100 strokes better than runner-up Woodburn, who finished at 716. Stayton was third at 722.

The Tokatee Golf Course was in perfect condition for the two-day event, and the temperature was 80 degrees and the best weather the golfers have seen all year.

Coach Bill Mitchell said, “The course was in great shape. The greens were fast, and when the greens are rolling nice, true, and at a decent speed, it makes the putting easier, and the whole course much more enjoyable.”

On day one, Dylan Vantress was the Outlaws star, as he broke 100 for the first time ever. Dylan posted a score of 96, highlighted by a birdie and three pars.

Vantress was excited about his score and the birdie.

“It was extraordinary!” said Vantress. “It was my lowest score ever and my first birdie. I drove the ball about 300 yards, then used my wedge and got it about 10 feet from the hole, and putted it in for the birdie.”

Connor Crowe shot a 114, and Dan Schmidt was just one stroke back at 115. Felix Leahey shot a 120 and Christopher Lundgren rounded out the scores with a 130.

On day two, Schmidt was unable to play, so the Outlaws only posted scores for four players.

Ashton King posted the Outlaws’ lowest score at 115. Vantress shot a 120, Crowe posted a 125, and Leahey carded a 145.

Mitchell said, “Ashton is only a freshman, and he’s never played competitive golf before. He’s got a nice swing, and I hope to see some good things from him the next three years.”

The girls golf team also competed at the District Tournament, but at the Santiam Golf Course. Sisters girls enjoyed the same beautiful weather conditions as the boys. Woodburn took top honors and Waldport was runner-up.

The Lady Outlaws had only played in two matches prior to District, and neither one with all four of their players. The District Tournament was the first time all season all four girls were in attendance, and they were able to post a team score.

On day one, Emma Farley led the Lady Outlaws with a 93, followed by Rose Williams who posted a 108. AriAnne Griffy carded a 112 and Emilie Turpen shot a 133.

Farley carded a 104 on day two, followed by Griffy, who improved her score by six strokes to finish at 106. Williams shot a 118, and Turpen rounded out the scores with

a 133.

At the close of the tournament, Farley earned second-team all-district recognition.

“Emma is a strong athlete, which helps her tremendously in golf,” said Mitchell. “I was hoping she’d make it to state, but the weather didn’t allow us to play many rounds this spring so she just didn’t get the practice

needed.”

Mitchell commented on the season as a whole.

“It’s been a crazy year,” said Mitchell. “We didn’t have much of a season due to the weather, and it was unusually short. I have a lot of respect for all these kids to play 18 holes, count every stroke, and post a score. It’s a long hike of about six to eight miles, and all the while carrying your golf bag. As I look ahead to next year, the biggest thing is that we’ve just got to get everyone out to play more golf.”