For the fourth straight year, Western Albemarle has punched its ticket. On Tuesday the Warriors golf team successfully defended its Region II title as Scott Wakely earned medalist honors and led his squad in its collective score of 314 to slip past second place Loudoun County.
“We definetly didn’t shoot very well on the front nine, or at least as well as we’re used to,” said Warriors coach Darren Maynard. “So I talked to each one of them at the turn and told them if we’re going to win this, we’re going to have to play like champions on the back nine. That’s what we’re supposed to be, so I said, ‘Hey, let’s go play some golf.’”
None of the Warriors found the 30’s in their first nine holes, but Wakely and Alex O’Dell each shot 35 on the back nine, and Brett Engle managed to post a 38. With his 41 on the front nine, Wakely edged O’Dell by one shot to finish first overall with his 4-over 76. O’Dell came in at 3-over 77 while Engle was at 8-over 80 and Landon Weis was close behind at 9-over 81.
“I think that shows a lot of mental toughness to be able to come back and play like that,” Maynard said.
As they head into the last tournament of the season, the Warriors bring in an abundance of experience. As freshmen, both O’Dell and Weis were able to register scores for Western in the 2008 tournament at Old Trail to help their team to a second place finish just behind Blacksburg. The Bruins come into this state tournament playing on familiar ground and are the winners of the three of the last four Group AA team titles.
“I think they’ll be the favorite again, especially being on their home course,” Maynard said. “But I think we have a shot at doing something big. Our experience helps us but our depth really helps. We can get a score anywhere from one through six and that’s a big plus.”
Wakely, O’Dell, Engle and Weis have all finished first overall at least once in a tournament this year.
Western’s stiffest competition this season in the Jefferson District, Monticello, came just 15 strokes from giving Central Virginia two teams in the Group AA championship. The Mustangs were led by Michael Comer who excelled early in the day with a 37 at the turn and finished with a 7-over 79 to earn sixth place overall. Evan Childress also had a solid day with his 9-over 81. The two each advance as individuals to the state tournament.
Joining the Warriors and two Mustangs will be William Monroe’s William Batten who qualified with a 9-over 81. Fluvanna County’s Alex Preganz won a playoff after there was a 4-way tie at 10-over 82. The Fluco freshman’s clutch playoff win gave the Jefferson District four of the possible six individual slots.
The Group AA championship will be held on Monday and Tuesday at Blacksburg Country club.
Editors note: Carolyn Schneller contributed to this story.
