By Don Eskins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Glendale Falcons carded a team low score of 312 to capture this year’s Ozark Conference championship. The tournament was held at the Silo Ridge Golf Course in Bolivar.
In battling their way through stiff winds and cold temperatures, the Falcons bested a 10-team field. The Rolla Bulldogs, with a 326, placed second while the Kickapoo Chiefs and Lebanon Yellowjackets, both at 329, tied for third.
Despite the winds and cold temperatures three Falcons posted scores in the 70’s en route to carding their tournament low 312. Glendale coach Zach Rothgeb was more than pleased with the poise his kids exhibited in picking up the win.
“Today’s conditions were very difficult. But our boys rose to the occasion,” said the Falcon coach. “They stuck with their game plan and showed some great course management in picking up the win.”
“We’ve talked all year about concentrating on making one shot at a time and not worrying about our score,” he said. “If we do that, our score will take care of itself, as it did today.”
Glendale sophomore Owen Buerke led the Falcon’s with a one-over-par 73. His effort earned him top medalist’ honors.
“The wind was blowing really hard today. With wind gusts of 30-40 miles per hour playing conditions were about as difficult as they could be,” said Buerke. “But I feel like I battled hard and played well.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE TOURNAMENT
“With the wind blowing so hard you had to respect par, keep patient and play one shot at a time. That’s what I did,” he said. “I also feel like I putted really well. All in all, I was really happy and proud of my round.”
Also carding rounds in the 70’s for the Falcons were Max Bowman 76 and Hudson Feuerbacher 78. Travis Peak with an 85 and Matthew Barnes with an 88 put the finishing touches Glendale’s scorecard.
The second place Rolla Bulldogs were paced by Jonathon Jordan who fired a 77. He was joined by Chayton Jordan (82), Nick Jones (83), Easton Brown (84) and Chancen Jordan (89).
Kickapoo, tied for third with Lebanon, was led by Caleb Wiggins who carded a (78). He was followed by Owen Jump (79), Gaige Lewis (84), Garrett Catlett (88) and Brody Powers (90).
Tops on Lebanon’s scorecard was Ethan Mustard with an 81. Also contributing were Titan Haney (82), Canon Roark (82), Kory Hough (84) and Drew Bowling (89).
With the Ozark Conference championship plaque now on display at Glendale High the Falcons are looking forward to their upcoming district tournament on Thursday in Marshfield. At stake a trip to the Class 4 MSHSAA state tournament for the district tournament’s top two teams and the next 12 individuals with the lowest scores.
According to Rothgeb picking up Monday’s conference title will no doubt give his kids a boost of confidence.
“Winning the (conference) has definitely put them in a great mental frame of mind. But they all know that today was just another tournament,” said the Falcon coach. “We’ll celebrate tonight like we did last week after winning the Pearson City Championship. Tomorrow though it will be back to work again as usual to prepare for district.”
COC Team Results:
1. Glendale – 312
2. Rolla – 326
3. Kickapoo – 329
3. Lebanon – 329
5. West Plains – 341
6. Bolivar – 373
7. Camdenton – 376
8. Waynesville – 400
9. Hillcrest – 440
10. Central – 438
COC All-Conference:
1. Owen Buerke – 73 – Glendale
2. Max Bowman – 76 – Glendale
3. Johnathon Jordan – 77 – Rolla
4. Caleb Wiggins – 78 – Kickapoo
5. Hudson Feuerbacher – 78 – Glendale
6. Owen Jump – 79 – Kickapoo
7. Ethan Mustard – 81 – Lebanon
8. Ashby Wood – 81 – West Plains
9. AJ Stevenson – 82 – West Plains
10. Chayton Jordan – 82 – Rolla
COC All-Conference Honorable Mention
11. Titan Haney – 82 – Lebanon
12. Canon Roark – 82 – Lebanon
13. Nick Jones – 83 – Rolla
14. Kory Hough – 84 – Lebanon
15. Gaige Lewis – 84 – Kickapoo
