Junior Johnathon Smith and freshman Tyler Dimond will represent the Pagosa Springs High School Pirates at next week’s 3A state golf tournament in Pueblo.
Smith tied for fifth out of 52 golfers and Dimond finished 17th at Monday’s regional tournament at Conquistador Golf Course in Cortez to earn their way to state.
“They both did well, really well,” coach Mark Faber said, adding he’s excited for them to get the chance to play at the state tournament. “It’s awesome.”
The top two teams and 13 golfers from each region advanced to the 36-hole state tournament at Walking Stick Golf Course in Pueblo next Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 7 and 8.
It will feature the top 84 golfers in Colorado 3A golf.
“I’m really excited for the two of them to go play at Walking Stick this coming week,” Faber said, noting both golfers played well on that course last week.
As a team, the Pirates finished fourth at regionals, behind Montezuma-Cortez, Peak to Peak and The Classical Academy.
Smith shot a 79 on the par-72 course Monday.
Smith shot even par on the front nine, shooting birdie on one hole, bogey on one and par on the others.
Smith shot seven over par on the back nine, including logging a birdie on one hole, par on three holes and bogeys on two.
“He qualified, he did his job,” Faber said. “He did good.”
Dimond finished the day with an 88, which included shooting par on five holes and bogeys on 10.
“Tyler stayed with it really well,” the coach said, adding Dimond played the way he’s been expected to all year. “It took a while to get it put together, but he’s done well with the last few tournaments. Very proud for him and excited for him, and just glad that that worked out.”
Cedar Liverett, a senior playing his final tournament with the Pirates, finished the day with a 93 to place 24th and miss qualifying for state by a few strokes.
His effort included shooting par on three holes and bogeys on nine holes.
“Cedar was really close again and has worked really, really hard and been ... really positive for us and didn’t quite make it,” Faber said. “So, that kinda gets me.”
Liverett qualified as an alternate for the state tournament last season, but did not have the opportunity to play in the tournament.
Faber added Liverett has put in a lot of effort, has a good attitude and is “just a really good guy.”
He added, “So, that’s kind of hard.”
Isabel Galloway, a senior playing her final tournament as a Pirate, finished tied for 39th with a 101.
She shot par on two holes and bogeyed on five holes.
“Isabel played well,” Faber said. “She just played well. She started off really well. ... She’s competing against the boys and beating some of them, and that’s really good.”
randi@pagosasun.com
