Waupaca golf team one stroke short
By Greg Seubert
One stroke.
That’s what kept the Waupaca boys’ golf team from advancing to state for the first time since 2002.
The Comets tied for second with Winneconne May 29 at a WIAA Division 2 sectional meet at The Golf Courses of Lawsonia in Green Lake. Both teams turned in a score of 347, but Winneconne advanced to state by winning a one-hole playoff by one shot.
Although the Comets came up short as a team, Eli Bartel qualified as an individual with a round of 82 that included a 44 on the front nine and a 38 on holes 10-18. He tied for fifth overall with teammate Noah Carrick and New London’s Dylan Leahy and defeated both golfers on a one-hole playoff to determine the third and final individual state qualifier.
“Very tough on the team to lose in a playoff to go to state, but on the other hand, what a great opportunity it is for Eli to advance as a freshmen as an individual,” coach Tom Noltner said. “This team has worked extremely hard through a difficult season with the weather and all and should look back at the many accomplishments they had as a team: conference champions, regional champions and winning the conference tournament.”
Marinette’s Matt Wagner and Amherst’s Vince Omernik also qualified as individuals with a 79, while Peshtigo’s Bryce Jacobson turned in the low round of the day with a 77.
Peshtigo won the meet with a 339, followed by Waupaca and Winneconne (347), Luxemburg-Casco (349), Xavier (350), Amherst (362), Wrightstown (363), Little Chute and Marinette (365), Two Rivers (384), Oconto (391) and Sturgeon Bay (417).
Waupaca’s other scores included Carrick (82), Mason Gardner (85) and Tyler Simpson (98).
The state meet will be held Monday and Tuesday, June 4-5 at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison.