Both boys’ and girls’ golf teams finished in the Top 10 teams in this year’s 6A State Championships.
The boys’ golf team spent the first half of this week competing in state championships in Diamondhead. GCMS eighth grader Will Cooley placed highest for the boys team getting ninth place for individuals getting a two-day total of 82 and 83. All together the boys’ golf team finished in ninth place. Last year neither team qualified for state, so it became very exciting when both qualified this year, according to coach John Glass,
“This was more about experience for the coming years,” coach Glass said.
Next year, he hopes to have an even better and more competitive season.
Last week the girls’ golf team went to the state championship in Oxford. Getting the best score for the girls’ golf team, sophomore Marilyn Denko placed 19th place for individuals shooting a two-day total of 101 and 107. Following Marilyn, senior Grace Morgan got 21st place with sophomore Braylee Fountain right behind her getting 22nd place. Altogether the girls team came in eighth place at the state championship.
On Oct. 12, the boys’ and girls’ golf teams had their district tournament. The boys came out with a final score of 337, and the girls came out with a 206.
In the boys’ team, junior Joshua Glass scored a 76 which won him second place in the district and made him No. 1 in 6A for golf. After state Josh ended up in the Top 12 in the state and has a tournament coming up this Monday.
On Sept. 25, GCHS golf held a ceremony for the brand new driving range. It was built in memory of former GCHS student and golfer Devin Sellers who passed away in January of 2020 due to leukemia.
This driving range has been very beneficial to the golf team. Previously the golf teams had to drive to Hurley for practice. Now they are able to practice by the school. The golf team and coaches are very thankful for this new resource and have found it helpful.
For practice the golf team used their new driving range to help them develop their skills. Golfers have focused on fixing their particular struggles to improve for state. According to assistant coach Brandy Glass, encouraging words have been a big part of them preparing for state.
“I have improved a lot, and I feel the whole team has improved,” Fountain said.
