Hornet Golfers Drive to 9th in State Championship

The Saline Hornets boys' golf team took ninth in the Division 1 State Championship tournament held at the Meadows Golf Course at Grand Valley State University.

Saline shot 317 Friday and 309 Saturday for a two-day total of 626.

Jackson Lambert and Ryan Peruski were the low Hornet players both shooting a two day total of 154. Jackson shot 76-78 and Ryan 77-77. The finished tied for 25 out of 90 players. Caleb Wittig bounced back from an 83 Friday to shoot a 73 Saturday to finish with a 156, good for 36th. Also golfing were Ian Martin (86-81, 167, 79th place), Ryan Schafer (79) and DJ Aben (83). Aben and Schafer alternated in the fifth man spot.

Coach Debbie Williams-Hoak noted that 130 golf teams began tournament play in districts a few weeks ago. Only 15 made it through districts and regionals to get to the state championship.

""We have had a great season winning the SEC championship, the District championship, runner-Up at Regionals and a 9th place finish at states," said Williams-Hoak.

Still, she said the team was a little disappointed by their performance in the final weekend of the season.

"Only one team goes home really happy after the state tournament. While we feel good about finishing 9th, we are disappointed we did not do better. With the way we have been playing in the last month, we felt we had a chance to win it and had we shot those numbers, we would have," she said. "One thing is for sure, the guys gave it their all and represented Saline very well. I am very proud of them."

The coach credited her seniors, Lambert, Schafer and Aben, for ending their high school golfing careers on a high note.

For the younger Hornets, there's next year.

"Caleb Wittig, Ryan Peruski and Ian Martin are already talking about what they want to do next year," said Williams-Hoak.