LINCOLN, Maine — The Houlton golf team qualified for the state Class C competition by virtue of a second-place finish Thursday at the Penobscot Valley Conference championships at the JATO golf course.
The Shires’ score of 364 was second to Mattanawcook Academy’s low score of 314. Other team scores were: 3, George Stevens Academy, 389; 4, Greenville, 428; 5, Bucksport, 432; 6, Calais, 510; and 7, Penobscot Valley, 574. Dexter, Lee Academy and Narraguagus did not have enough golfers to score as a team.
“Mattanawcook Academy is a very good team,” Houlton coach Dave Grant said. “I am very pleased with the way we played. The boys played very well for being such a very young team. The next two years look very promising.”
For the Shires, Duncan McCormack was the low scorer for the day as he shot an 87. Drew Marino was second with a 90, while Wyatt Harvey was third with a 92. Nick Brewer shot a 95, while Isaac Vega had a 114.
The team competition will be played Saturday, Oct. 1 at Natanis golf course in Vassalboro. Both McCormack and Marino also qualified for the state individual competition to be held Saturday, Oct. 15, also at Natanis.
Houlton has qualified for the States all five years of coach Grant’s tenure and in 2012 were state runners-up. The Shires have placed in the top three or four at States all five of Grant’s seasons.
“This years team is young and I think we can do very well,” Grant said. “They have come a long way this year improving every match. I am really proud of them on how they handled the pressure last Thursday at the Regionals.”
The coach added that the competition will be tough, but that does not mean the Shires can’t have fun at States.
“Mattanawcook Academy is really really tough and they could repeat as Class C State Champions this year,” he said. “We know what it takes to play with them and that is our goal. I want them to enjoy golf next Saturday at States and enjoy the friendship that they are making through this wonderful game we call golf. Friendships that they will have all through their high school career and hopefully beyond.”
