Golfers tie for second at conference

The varsity Bobcat golfers tested their mettle against the Absaroka Conference last week on the beautiful Buffalo Golf Course. 

Coach Jacob Smith said it was an excellent view of the difference between the 2A competition that the Cats faced before and the 3A competition they will face in the future. 

“The top end of each is very competitive,” Smith said, “but 2A teams lack the depth of roster that most 3A teams boast.” 

Smith believes the varsity boys, coming off of two straight 2A state titles, have the potential to be the top team in 3A as well. 

“Unfortunately we didn’t bring our best game to Buffalo,” he said, “and after trailing by one stroke the first day we were unable to play to our ability and ended the weekend in a tie for second place with the Torrington Trailblazers behind a strong Wheatland team. 

“While second place is great, not playing to our ability is frustrating and we were not satisfied.” 

There were some flashes of excellence, notably Hudson Roling (79-76, 1st place overall, All Conference), Jake Maksin (88-83, 6th place overall, All Conference) and Will DeVries (95-97 Season Best tournament). 

The boys have one more chance to pull their games together and show the state the greatness that they have this week in Powell at the 3A State Championship. 

The Lady Cats had a fairly good weekend, too. 

Some struggled on day one, but all three improved scores on day two and Kaylee Smith earned All Conference honors with a Top 10 finish. 

“The greens were rolling slower than we expected and the trees along the fairways are always a danger,” Smith said, “but our Lady Cats showed poise and confidence as they played some of the best golf of their seasons. 

The girls will have a challenge when they face the rest of the 3A teams on a tough Powell Golf Course this week, but spirits are high and they are hungry for All State finishes.

The Bobcats will be traveling to State in Powell this Friday and Saturday.