Schuster finishes fourth at Polson Invitational

By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

The Bigfork High School boys and girls golf teams showed great improvement this week at the Polson Invitational with five players scoring a personal best, including Steven Schuster, a sophomore, who placed fourth with a 76.

"It was the best finish of my career," Schuster said. "It was good to do so well, but it was an odd feeling because I had one bad hole and it cost me the tournament."

Tyler Engebretsen of Polson and Reed Platke of Whitefish tied for first place, each scoring a 73. Schuster said he went for a par four on the 13th hole and ended up taking two extra swings, which he said contributed to his falling short of first place.

"I wasn't disappointed, but I was a little upset with myself because I knew that I could have finished better," Schuster said.

The boys' team placed third with a 329, behind Whitefish, which had a 308, and Polson with a 326. The girls' team placed fourth with a 414. They were beat out by Whitefish's 349, Polson's 360 and Libby's 408.

"They played well," said BHS head golf coach Steve Hullett. "They're coming along. Hopefully they'll continue to do well and get to go on to state. They're starting to play like they're capable of."

Sophomore Kyle Parker tied for sixth place with six other boy golfers with an 80. Ryan Gembala, a sophomore, had a personal best of 86, as did fellow sophomore Cole Francisco, who shot an 87.

Senior Carson Harris placed ninth among the girls with a 95. Freshman Sara Keenan shot a 99. Seniors Amy Gembala and Caitlynn O'Dell both had personal bests with a 102 and 113, respectively.

The tournament was a good chance for all of the golfers to prepare for the state tournament, which is held at the Polson Bay Golf Club Oct. 9-11.

"It seemed promising," Schuster said. "It was way easier than last year. If I make it to state it will probably be a lot more fun now that I'm more experienced on the course."

Eligibility for the state tournament is determined by scores from the divisional tournament, which takes place today, Oct. 2, at Eagle Bend Golf Course starting at 10 a.m. The top three teams advance to state and the top 15 individuals.

"I'm looking for a good showing from both teams," Hullett said. "I think both teams have a real good chance of making it to state if they play like they're capable of."