Golfers move on to regional

The Albany Lions finished second in the District 10-2A golf tournament, which concluded a two-day run Tuesday, April 2 at Shady Oaks Golf Course,to earn a return ticket to the Region II-2A tournament.

The Lions will take their shot at a third consecutive trip to state Monday-Tuesday, April 15-16 at Old Brickyard Golf Course in Ferris.

Albany’s first team shot 326-329–655 to finish 19 strokes behind Haskell (315-321–636) for the championship. The second team finished fourth, shooting 377-466–743.

A year ago, Albany won the district championship to finish third at state. In 2022, most of the same players overcame second place finish at district to finish fifth at state.

Coach Tate Thompson said the members of the first team, who all return from last year, will again have to find a way to extend their season beyond regional.

“I think we realize we need to put a little more work in,” Thomson said. “Haskell is playing really well right now. I’m hoping this is going to motivate these guys.”

Lute Wheeler shot 7284–156 to finish third individually and lead the first team. He was followed by Luke Marshall (84-79– 163), Houston Heatly (8481–165), Huffman Heatly (86-85–171), and Ayden Balliew (89-89–178).

“We had some areas that kept us from scoring Tuesday,” Thompson said, “whether it was the short game or drives, hitting fairways or putts. We’re going to go over their stat sheets and honeinon some of the areas they need to eliminate double-bogeys and trim off some strokes.”

The second team was led by Ty Richards at 9186–177. He was followed by Connor Smith (9391–184), HollisYeates (9688–184), Landon Balliew (97-109–206), and Jacob Knight (104-101–205) as all five contributed to the team score.

“The guys on that second team were two places away from advancing, themselves,” Thompson said. “It’s good for them to get that experience and see what district competition is all about for the future.”

In the girls division, Myleigh Leveridge shot 120-118–238.

“Those were her two best rounds of the season,” Thompson said.

Haskell Results

On Wednesday, March 27, the boys teams played at the Haskell tournament. The first team finished second at 320 as Wheeler shot 75, Marshall 78, Huffman Heatly 80, Ayden Balliew 87, and Richards 92. The second team finished fourth at 351. Smith shot 78, followed by Huffman Heatly at 81, Yeates at 92, LandonBalliewat100,and Knight at 127.

Wheeler Finished Second individually with Smith fifth.