The Garretson High School Golf Team traveled to Rapid City on Monday and Tuesday, June 6 and 7. Class B Girls played at Hart Ranch Golf Course, while the Class B Boys teed off at Elks Golf Course. The Boys team placed 2nd overall, and the Girls team placed 10th.
The weather played a major hand in the tournament, forcing delays and postponements, and ultimately canceling the second day of boys' golf. This meant all scores for boys were decided by the first day's results.
The Boys team, which consisted of Cooper Long, Dylan Kindt, Ryan Flanagan, and Dylan Jessen, had 240 strokes with +24 to par gross. Long scored 3rd overall in a 4-way tie with 77 strokes, only +5 gross, and earned All-State Team honors. Kindt was 14th overall with 81 strokes, Flanagan was 21st with 82, and Jessen was 104th.
There were 123 total individual competitors and 20 teams at the state tournament for boys.
Coach Kari Stoltenberg said, "The boys places were awarded by the first day’s 18 hole scores due to second round being suspended and finally canceled on the second day because of thunderstorms. The boys actually had to come back early Tuesday morning to finish Monday’s round which was also suspended because of thunderstorms. Then once Tuesday’s rounds got underway, the GHS boys put on a charge and moved into first place. Cooper Long had also moved back into 1st place while Dylan Kindt and Ryan Flanagan were also improving on their previous rounds. Dylan Jessen had several holes to finish early on Day 2 and then had to be prepared to start a new round right after. That is not an easy task. Unfortunately, since play was suspended and they were not able to finish the 36 hole tournament, the places reverted back to scores from Day 1."
The Girls team, who were able to play both days, consisted of Katie Hanson, Autumn Gaspar, Addison Hove, and Maci Rotert. They had a total of 624 strokes, +192 to par gross. Hanson was the best scorer for the Dragons with only 99 strokes on day 1 and 98 on day 2, placing her at 30th overall in a 3-way tie. Gaspar wasn't far behind with 103 strokes on day 1 and 102 strokes on day 2, putting her 42nd overall in a 3-way tie. Hove and Rotert were both 68th overall.
The girls had 100 total individual competitors and 15 teams at the state tournament.
"The girls were able to complete the 36 hole tournament and so their places were awarded for their 2 Day totals," said Stoltenberg. "They did have suspended play both days as well, but officials at Hart Ranch worked patiently to wait out the suspensions and get the girls back on the course."
She continued, "The 2022 State B Golf Tournament was chaotic to say the least. But the GHS golfers persevered and came through well. I was so proud of each individual player as well as the teams’ efforts.
"The boys went into the tournament knowing that they all had to come together to get this done, and they did just that. Having 3 boys finish in the top 25 was a great accomplishment for them as that is what the medal places are at state.
"With Cooper’s 3rd place finish, he also earned All-State Team Honors. Of course, there was some disappointment in not being allowed to finish the second day’s round as results may have changed. But nonetheless, a 2nd place finish in a field of 20 shows the great success and ability of this team.
"The girls also had weather conditions to contend with, and with grit and determination finished the 36 hole tournament, beginning play in the rain after the suspension on Tuesday. "Senior Katie Hanson led the team followed by Junior Autumn Gaspar, and I was also impressed by the 2 freshmen Addison Hove and Maci Rotert playing in their first state golf tournament. The girls had a tough course to play and they handled it with well. We’ll be watching for good things to come in the next few years from these underclassmen.
"After completing over 30 years as GHS head golf coach, I was more than proud to have these fine athletes on my final team. I wish them all the best and hope they continue to play for the love of the game!!"
