Boys and girls golf teams state bound

By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

Second, third, fourth and fifth. Those were just a few of the low numbers that the Bigfork golf team had to be excited about at the Class A Divisional golf tournament last Thursday at Eagle Bend Golf Course.

The boys team placed second with a combined score of 358. The girls were third with 409. Both teams will get to compete at the state tournament, which begins today in Polson, as a result of their top finishes.

"I thought they did really well," said Bigfork head golf coach Steve Hullett. "I was real proud of them. They started to play like they're capable of. I'm really happy both teams made it to state."

Hullett said that he thinks it has been at least seven years since a girls team from Bigfork has made it to the state tournament.

Steven Schuster had the best showing for the Vikings with a fourth place finish after hitting an 81.

"It feels good," Schuster said. "I was happy that I performed to the level that I am capable of. I did what was expected of me at least. I probably could've done a little better. I made some mistakes, but I'll learn some of that stuff as I mature as a golfer."

Last year Schuster snuck into state with a 93 at fifteenth place, but did not place at the state tournament.

"I just have to go out and pay attention to me and what I'm doing," Schuster said of his state berth. "I can't focus on what everyone else is doing. It's a two day tournament so I can't worry about every shot. But I can't make too many mistakes. I can hit good shots, but the mistakes are what get me."

Schuster said that he is excited that both Bigfork teams will be competing at state.

"I was very surprised we all made it into state," Schuster said. "Everyone played very well. I hope we can carry it into state."

Sara Keenan took fifth for the girls with an 88. Carson Harris placed seventh among the girls with a 92. Kyle Parker was eleventh against the boys with an 89.

"I knew that they had it in them all year long," Hullett said. "I've been watching the standings and following the tournaments. I knew they had the capability."

The fifteen boys and girls that place the highest at the divisional tournament advance to state, as do the top three schools. If a player goes to state with their team they can still place as an individual. However, if multiple kids from the same school go as individuals they can not place as a team. Polson and Whitefish's boys and girls teams are the other teams that are moving on to state.

"I think some of our kids have an opportunity to place in the top 10 and possibly pull out a medal," Hullett said.

Today, Oct. 9, is the practice round for the state tournament at the Mission Bay Golf Course in Polson. The official tournament is Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10-11.