NEWS MAKERS LIST OF 2012 HAS IT'S FIRST INDUCTEES... ALL FROM ELK CITY'S HIGH SCHOOL!

Keegan Hall. Shot 67 and tied for
medalist honors on 3/30/2012

Last year we started a tradition of recognizing those who "make our local golf news" during the year, whether it be just a special shot, like a hole in one, or a tournament win or news of national importance to our local importance. This year will not be different.

Two weeks ago, Joby Gray started the school's golf season and his, by scoring 69-69 in the school's first tournament. He won by five shots in a 6A school tournament. That was newsworthy. The team placed second in that event.

Coach Garrette Mantle talking
strategy with one of his players

The second individual to be recognized as "Newsmaker" of 2012 is Keegan Hall, who shot a 67 (-4) in the Weatheford High School Invitational. The talented and long hitting Keegan started slow by three-putting his first two holes, then he literally "lit the course up" with an eagle and five more birdies AND NEVER LOOKED BACK. Keegan tied for medalist honors and beat fellow teammate Joby Gray (67) by one shot...

But the story gets better yet... by adding Brock Walker's score of 72 and Logan Gore's score of 73, Elk City High School ended up with a total score of 280, 4 under par, which won the tournament by 13 shots.! Our other two players did not play bad either: Cameron Marcum, who played as an individual, shot 76; while Berek Dyson, who is still trying hard to regain his sharp game, shot a 78 (we have no doubt that Berek will start contending again!)

On the girls team, no one works
harder than Kelsie Wilson. 

The total of 280 (-4) is one of the lowest in a long while, at least in the last 15-20 years since a previous generation of great Elk City high school players represented our city in the same year, a generation that included Dustin Gunkel, Cory Smith and brother Russ Smith, all of whom played golf in college, with the Smith brothers having earned "All American" status... now, since all of them still live in Elk City, should we organize a "Match of Generations"? I bet it would be interesting in a low ball format!

And what about the girls team? They are all practicing hard, however, no one has taken the game as seriously, nor practices as much as the quiet, soft spoken Kelsi Wilson, who is seen practicing as much as anyone else. A testament to her hard work is simply her improvement, as her scores have come down at least 10 strokes from this time last year. Kelsi who is now scoring consistently in the 80's is the schools best female golfer, and no doubt she will soon break the barrier every golfer dreams of: score in the 70's. Keep up the hard work!