SM's Cooper is medalist; WAC tourney starts today

"This is the first under par score we've had since I've been golf coach here," said Stacy Buchanan, who is in his third season.

Franklin took the team title with a 316 to 320 for SM and 332 for Tuscola.

Rounding out the SM scoring were Ethan Mechling (79), Adam Bell (80) and Noah Bell (90). The Mustangs battled what Buchanan called "extreme weather conditions" on April 17 at Mill Creek.

"That was the first time I was playing golf in the snow," he said.

SM tied Murphy for the top spot at 168 while Hayesville shot 190. The round was limited to nine holes.

Murphy's Matt Cook was medalist at 36.

Cooper led the Mustangs with a 38. Other scores were Noah Bell (40), Dan White (44), Mechling (46) and Adam Bell (52).

Buchanan said those are the five golfers that will compete in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament and the Western Regionals, if the Mustangs qualify.

The WAC tourney will be played today (Thursday) at Mill Creek and Monday at Glenn Cannon in Transylvania County. Teams will play 18 holes each day.

The top three teams among the WAC's five 3-A schools will advance to the Regionals on May 6-7 at River Bend near Shelby. The top four individuals not on a qualifying team also advance.

"I feel we should qualify for the Regionals if we shoot the ball like we have been the past three matches," Buchanan said. "If we don't make it as a team, I know I have three individuals capable of advancing."

Back to Sports: 04/26/01.