Libby golfers fare well at state tournament

Libby High School Head Coach Dann Rohrer has been teaching golf for about 30 years, and this year’s squad that finished second in divisional play and eighth in state still has him smiling.

“We did well in divisionals, getting second, and I think the kids were a little disappointed in the eighth-place finish at state, but, hey, it’s like I told them: ‘You guys are here playing at state. There are a lot of kids sitting at home (wishing they were here),” Rohrer said.

The Loggers took six golfers to the Polson Bay Golf Club on Friday and Saturday. Logger senior Morgan Wilkins was the top finisher for Libby, hitting an 87 and a second-round 80 to finish with a two-day total of 167 for 21st overall. Wilkins’ sophomore teammate, Jonny Cielak, was 24th, just two strokes back at 169.

“Morgan’s second-round 80 was a great round,” Rohrer said. “If he’d have shot both rounds at 80 that could have put him about 10th. Still, hey, he had a great tournament.”

Cielak, who has two more years of eligibility, has Rohrer looking for great things for him.

“Jonny played all summer,” Rohrer said. “He’s always improving. If he keeps it up, he’ll be someone who could be a top-10.”

Rohrer said all of his golfers have scored better than they did, but that’s just part of playing golf on an unfamiliar course.

“We did about what I expected,” Rohrer said. “All of our kids shot at or better than that during practice rounds. They’re all capable of playing better.”

Two other boys — Quinn Sullivan and Luke Adamson — finished further back with 190 and 225 scores respectively.

In girls play, Lily Feeback was consistent as possible, shooting first and second rounds of 101 for a 202 total, while Erin Jager finished at 212 with scores of 108 and 104.

“Both girls played exceptionally,” Rohrer said. “I really wish I had Erin to coach another year. She’s just come along so much since she was a freshman. To know where she started and where she ended up, it’s amazing.”

Rohrer said his girls team next year will be led by Feeback, who is just a sophomore.

“She really has great head speed, hits the ball well,” Rohrer said. “She wasn’t very far out of the top 15. She plays really solid. She’s got a lot of game.”

While the boys finished eighth, the girls squad, because four scores are necessary to quality as a team, did not register a finish.

Polson’s girls won the state title with a 715 total, followed by Whitefish (721) and Anaconda (814).

In the boys competition, Sydney finished first with a 639 total followed by Whitefish (645) and Anaconda (666).

Libby was eighth with a 751 total.