Golfers head to state for second straight year

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions are headed back to the Class 2A state golf tournament after a strong finish at the Region II-2A tournament, played Monday-Tuesday, April 17-18 at Old Brickyard Golf Course in Ferris.

The state tournament will be played Monday-Tuesday, May 22-23, at Lions Municipal Golf Course in Austin.

At the regional tournament, the Lions finished third in the team standings behind defending state champion Lindsay (310-301–611) and Celeste (313-319–632). Albany shot 325-313–638 to escape a crowded pack and move up two spots to qualify.

The Lions entered the day fifth overall in a group with Olney, Cooper and Haskell that was separated by just four shots. Albany had the second-best score in the final round, making up six strokes on Celeste and passing Olney and Cooper.

“Lindsay and Celeste were pretty far out here, but Olney and Cooper were only one and two strokes ahead of us,” coach Tate Thompson said. “The good thing is the teams we had to beat played before us.”

Freshman Huffman Heatly, who had to win a playoff with teammate Ty Richards to get a spot in the lineup, shot 78-80–158 to finish 12th individually. Ayden Balliew (84-76–160) and Luke Marshall (79-81–160) were in a four-way tie for 14th, Lute Wheeler (85-76–161) finished 18th, and Houston Heatly (84-81–165) tied for 25th.

“When scores started to come in, I knew it was going to be close,” Thompson said. “When Lute and Ayden came in with 76s, I knew we were good.”

Thompson said it was truly a team effort, with Monday’s low scores making up for higher-than-normal scores from Balliew and Wheeler.

“Luke and Huffman carried us Monday and kept us in the mix,” Thompson said. “I knew Ayden and Lute would play better Tuesday. They both identified their mistakes and made some changes on course management.”