By Doug Hare EBS SPORTS EDITOR
Given the long winters in southwest Montana, the spring
sports season for Lone Peak High School is short and sweet. But in less than
two months, the LPHS golf team has improved immensely and a few golfers look
strong heading into the postseason tournament. Here are some highlights from a
brief, albeit successful regular season for the Big Horns.
April 27 – Ennis – Madison Meadows
Golf Course
Boys – Nathan
Browne 95, Nolan Schumacher 103, Jackson Lang 107
Girls – TJ
Nordahl 93, Lyli McCarthy 119, Brooke Meredith 120, Sara Wilson 137
Nathan
Browne’s low score for the boys team qualified him for the State C Tournament.
Freshman TJ Nordahl placed second overall amongst girls, only giving up first
place to Ennis local Landri Paladichuk. Lyli McCarthy and Brooke Meredith both
scored qualifying rounds earning themselves a trip to the state tournament as
well.
Despite
cold and windy conditions, the course played great and the team was happy with
how the greens rolled. After the competition, the team headed back over the
hill just in time to attend LPHS prom. “Sara Wilson did great for her first
ever 18 holes of competition. I couldn’t be more pleased for a first round
score,” said Coach Jenny Wilcynski.
May 3 – Three Forks – Headwaters
Golf Course
Boys –
Pierce King 89, Sam Johnson 89, Jackson Lang 104, Austin Samuels 106, Nolan
Schumacher 108
Girls –
Lyli McCarthy 109, Brooke Merdith 148, Sara Wilson 148
On
the boys side, Pierce King and Sam Johnson had their lowest scores of the
season. Johnson, the lone senior and captain of the team, qualified for his
position at the State C Tournament with ease.
“I
was really happy for Sam as his time is limited on the course this season as he
prepares for his IB School Testing that comes along with senior year,” said
Wilcynski. “Great to see Pierce break 90 too. He is finding his momentum out
there and things came together for him today!” Both King and Johnson finished
just outside the top 10.
Coach
Wilcynski noted that Jackson Lang and Nolan Schumacher continue to play
consistent golf and improve but are still looking to break that crucial 100
score. Austin Samuels played in his first varsity golf event of the season and
showed a lot of potential.
On
the girl’s side, Lyli McCarthy was the low scorer, shooting a 109 and finishing
ninth overall in a class B and C event. “Lyli is starting to see her score fall
as well and will be in great shape as we get closer to State,” noted Wilcynski.
May 6 – White Sulphur Springs –
Arrowhead Golf Course
Boys –
Nathan Browne 88, Pierce King 92, Jackson Lang 100, Nolan Schumacher 103
Girls –
TJ Nordahl 88, Lyli McCarthy 106, Brooke Meredith 132, Sara Wilson 147
On
the boys side, Nathan Browne finished with a low score for the team with an 88,
the first time he has broken 90 in a competition and a new personal best.
Pierce King was a bit disappointed in his performance but still finished strong
with a 92. Jackson Lang sunk a long putt to finish out with an even 100
securing himself a qualifying round. Nolan Schumacher had a great birdie from
about 40 yards out and finished with a 103.
For
the Lady Big Horns, TJ Nordahl shot an 88, winning first place in a Class C
tournament. “This is really great for her getting prepared for State where an
88 will be a very competitive score even when we see all competitors, and she
feels she still left a few shots out there,” said Wilcynski.
Notably,
Lyli McCarthy had a personal best with a 106 (57/49) breaking 50 on nine holes
for the first time in competitive play. Brooke Meredith improved from earlier
in the week with a 132.
May 6 – Columbus – Stillwater Golf
Course
Varsity –
TJ Nordahl 87, Pierce King 90, Nolan Schumacher 105, Brooke Meredith 134, Sara
Wilson 138.
Hosted
by Absarokee High School and marking the last regular season competition and
last State Qualifier event, this was a last chance for golfers to punch a
ticket to the postseason.
Pierce
King placed fourth overall with a score of 90, continuing to build momentum and
Nolan Schumacher finished with a 105. “It’s nice to have a player like Nolan
who is so consistent and level-headed on the course,” said Coach Wilcynski.
TJ
Nordahl took honors once again with her lowest round of the season yet, 87,
winning first place against a field stacked with many upperclassmen. The LPHS
golfers who have qualified for the State C Tournament will travel to Seeley
Lake from May 14-15. to test their mettle against the best young
golfers in Montana on the Double Arrow Golf Course.