Golf team wins district

By Melinda L. Lucas

For the first time in well over a decade, an Albany boys golf team will advance to the regional tournament after winning first place at the district meet last week.

A freshman-dominated team led by Lute Wheeler put together its best two-round total of the year at Maxwell Municipal Golf Course April 6-7, defeating the second place team by 71 strokes.

“We shot our best team score on day one, then followed that with an even better score on day two,” said coach Tate Thompson. “Advancing to regionals is going to be a great experience for these young guys.”

Thompson said that the Albany team, made up of all freshmen and sophomores, is sitting at about fifth place in the region.

“That gives us a shot at getting to the state tournament,” he said.

Wheeler finished in first place overall as a medalist at the district meet, while Houston Heatly was third.

The regional tournament will be held April 21-22 in Ferris at the Old Brickyard Golf Club.

Scores from the district meet were as follows:

Lute Wheeler 83/83, Ayden Balliew 94/95, Houston Heatly 87/89, London Fuentes 99/91, Koy Cauble 102/113. Team score 363/358.

Boys medalist: Taren Farmer 133/135.

Girls medalists: Avery Kleiner 112/120, Briley Tabor 129/119.