OR boys golf qualifies for regionals; district champs crowned
The Oak Ridge High School boys golf team secured a spot in the Region 2-AA tournament after finishing as the runner-up in the District 4-AA championships at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
The Wildcats will compete for a regional title and a potential state tournament berth on their home course at Oak Ridge Country Club. Results from the regional tournament were not available at press time.
Despite falling short of a district title, Coach Scott Hinton expressed his excitement about playing on familiar turf.
“We didn’t win [the district], but I’m glad we made it to the region, and I’m thrilled we get to host,” Hinton said. “That’s huge.”
Senior Jack Bentz, a Carson-Newman signee, captured the individual district championship with a stellar four-under 66.
Freshman Kaleb Jackson shot 82, while Hunter Hinton, playing through back pain, carded an 87 to help the Wildcats secure a team total of 304, just nine strokes behind district champion Maryville, who finished with a team score of 295.
“I’m proud of Jack for winning the district and proud of Kaleb for his performance,” Coach Hinton said. “But I have to give a special shoutout to Hunter. He played with a bad back, and if he had withdrawn, we wouldn’t have qualified.”
Anderson County also advanced to the region after a third-place finish in the District 3-AA championships.
Senior Caden Williams, a transfer from Powell High School, led the Mavericks with a score of 73, finishing fourth in the individual standings.
Peyton Warwick shot 82, and both Luke Baldwin and Gavin Drake finished with 86.
Anderson County Coach Patrick Leverton praised his teams’ efforts:
“It was a great day for us,” he said. “Our boys finished third in the district, and all three of our girls advanced to the region as individuals. I’m proud of how hard everyone has worked.”
Clinton High School advanced two golfers to the region. Senior Braden Wolfe shot a 74, and sophomore Grant Hannah finished with a 75.
“I couldn’t be prouder of those two,” Clinton Coach Matt Cain said. “Braden has been our leader all season and has worked really hard on his own. He’s always pushing to improve, even after tough matches.”
On the girls’ side, Anderson County’s Sydney May led the Lady Mavericks with an 87, followed by Molly Jackson (105) and Coy Tomlinson (115).
Clinton’s Kinley Crowley also advanced to the region as a junior for the Lady Dragons.
Both Leverton and Cain were excited about the coming Region 2-AA tournament at Oak Ridge Country Club.
“These kids get the chance to play at Oak Ridge, and that’s great; it’s such a nice course,” Cain said.
Leverton added: “We haven’t played there as much as Oak Ridge has, but we had a good match earlier in the season.”