PACE — Both the Pace High School boys and girls golf teams competed in the regional tournament this week and each won first place. They advance to the Nov. 2-3, state 2A championship. Jay High School is also sending one representative from their girls’ golf team to the state championship.
The state competitions are at Mission Inn Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.
Pace boys golf coach Keith Kirhharr
Kirhharr is in his 18th year of coaching all of them at Pace High School. This is not the first time going to state. He took his team to consecutive state tournaments in 2007 and 2008.
The team is made up of seniors John David Cobb (low medalist winner of 20018 Miracle Strip and FHSAA Regional Tournament), Angus Bates, sophomores Daniel Forrester, Ethan Hansen and Cole Kirchharr. Coach Kirhharr said there are 16 teams playing this year and he is hoping Pace will place in the top five.
"These players are a great bunch of guys. Their hard work and dedication is paying off," Kirhharr said. "Hopefully, it will continue to show at the state tournament."
Pace girls golf coach April Winslow
This is Winslow's second year as the Pace High School golf coach. This is the first year the team has gone to state with Winslow at the helm. Pace did send a team during the 2016/2017 state championship.
Winslow said the state team consists of seniors Elise Schultz and Dina Weaver, juniors Alyssa Andrews and Chloe Channell and sophomore Savanna Dietrich. Schultz was low medalist of the district tournament with a 71 and the regional tournament with a 69.
In an email, Winslow said, "I think they will do well as a team and I'm hoping to see some more low scores from all of them. I hope they relax and just have fun being there. They should be proud of their accomplishments this year. I know I'm very proud of their commitment and all of the hard work they have put in this season. They have each had some rough patches in their game that they have had to work through and overcome this year. They didn't let that defeat them and they haven't given up. That's all I can ask from them as their coach.
Jay girls golf coach and athletic director Lance Yougblood
Youngblood said senior Sarah Edwards advanced to the state golf finals. She came in second in the regional tournament at the Sand Destin Golf Resort last Tuesday (she shot a 2 under 70).
Youngblood said, "Good luck to her, and congratulations to the Pace boys’ and girls’ teams for making it to the FHSAA State Tournament!"
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Pace golf teams both win first place, advance to state