St. Marys at state golf tourney for eighth straight year

PARKERSBURG - Since the WVSSAC High School State Golf Tournament isn't played on paper, St. Marys is seeking to give Wirt County a run for its money when the Class A field is scheduled to begin the two-day trek Wednesday and Thursday in Wheeling.

Behind the two freshmen Jude Walker and Titus Smith, Wirt County has enjoyed quite the success this season. One week after the two golfers placed 1-2 at the Little Kanawha Conference Meet, the Tigers won a regional championship at Riverside Golf Course in Mason by nine strokes over runner-up Charleston Catholic.

That same Monday afternoon at Mingo Bottom Golf Course in Elizabeth, St. Marys extended its string to eight consecutive regional titles. Behind Tyler Ratliff and Trevor Woodford, Gilmer County also qualified after placing second 11 strokes behind Wirt County.

"My kids just need to keep the ball in the middle and stay in the zone," Wirt County coach Daneen Shears said. "I also want them to have fun and try to get fun out of everything."

The Blue Devils' Trevor Maley and Tripp Morrison both competed as part of the team last year at state. At regionals, they were joined by freshman Zach Roush as part of the top 5 among the individual leaderboard.

"Gilmer County has been close to us all year - they are good and capable," St. Marys first-year coach Blaze Armstrong said. "On paper, Wirt County should win hands down. Of course, the tournament is not played on paper. We hung with them at their home course at LKC, so anything can happen.State is a different animal.

"If we can get three scores in the upper 70s, we have the chance to beat almost anyone. We will do our best and see what happens. If our guys have good rounds, we have a shot."

Regardless of this week's outcome, the St. Marys golf program is in a good place for the future. The Blue Devils' middle school program finished with a 19-1 record last year and currently eight members of that team competed at the high school level as freshmen.

"Even our middle school team this year finished close to that 19-1 record," Armstrong said.

In Class AA, Williamstown senior Madilyn Buttrey and Roane County's Wattson Nichols both qualified as individuals. Tee times for both Class A and AA begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The Class A field starts off the first tee, while Class AA opens its round on the 10th tee.

Qualifying as a team from the regional at the Links at Woodridge, Tyler Consolidated was only four strokes behind regional champion Wheeling Central on the strength of senior John Mace earning medalist honors with a 72.

"John has played excellent this year," Tyler coach Joe Griffith said. "He has really been a leader, and a captain for the whole team./ It's been great to watch him and his consistency."

Tyler's No. 2 golfer, junior Xavier Kanz, didn't quite have his 'A' game, but freshman Cade Heintzman and sophomore Collin King picked up the slack.

"That's kind of the way this team has done it all year," Griffith continued. "When somebody has an off day there are others who pick up the slack."

Sitting at 79 wins, Tyler has already surpassed the school record.

"At regionals, we were able to put it all together, and that's what we are hoping to do - and that's have a good showing," Griffith added. "It's been a remarkable season and I hope the guys can keep it going for (this week)."

Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com