Northern Tier Sports Report
MONTGOMERY — The Towanda boys golf team claimed their second straight District IV, Class AA Co-ed title on Wednesday, and did so in impressive fashion.
The Knights finished plus-14 for the tournament, 10 strokes better than runner-up East Juniata (plus-24). Athens (plus-28) and Wellsboro (plus-32) were rounded out the top four.
"It is an incredible feeling to repeat as district champions," said Towanda coach Paul Lantz. "These guys have worked so hard all year, and it is nice to see their hard work rewarded with the win. They all played solid all day. I try not to scoreboard watch, but by the back nine it was hard not to. I can't say enough about our team and the contributions that each of them brings to this team. With three more players qualifying yesterday, we have eight boys and three girls advancing to individual districts. Our district has some strong golfers right now."
Boom Thompson shot minus-2 to lead the way for Towanda with Graham Welles shooting plus-4, and Harper Welles and Owen Savercool both tallying plus-6.
Thompson finished with five birdies - one on the par-5 fifth hole, another on the par-4 third hole, one on the par-5 eighth hole, one on the par-4 10th hole, and his final one came on the par-5 18th hole. He also had 10 pars to round out the 70.
Graham Welles had three birdies - one on the par-5 second hole, one on the par-5 eight hole, and his third came on the par-4 12th hole. He also had eight birdies for his 76.
Harper Welles had 14 pars on the day, including 11 straight at one point, to shoot 78.
Savercool had birdies on the par-5 second hole, and the par-4 third hole to go with nine pars for his 78.
Non-scoring members included Deegan Blumanauar (plus-10, 82) and Jason Wickwire (plus-18, 90).
"It really helps that we get tested every match we play right here in the NTL," said Lantz. "Also, having the ability to play in the Selinsgrove (1st) and Happy Valley (5th) Invitationals gives these guys some additional competition with some of the best talent in the state. Four years ago, in Graham's first year, we were 19-28. ince then, the program has grown exponentially. That growth is due to the commitment of our players. Unfortunately, our girls came up short on their bid to three-peat as district champs, but our girls program continues to grow as well. I am super excited for the State Regional, Individual Districts, the rest of the season and the future of our program."
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PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING
