Johnston takes Western B golf title

Three Libby golfers are on their way to the state tournament in Huntley Project this weekend, following superb performances at the divisional tournament held at Old Works Golf Course May 10.

Freshman phenom Ryggs Johnston shot an amazing six-under 66 to capture the tournament title, his fifth of the season. Senior Jonny Cielak was 11 behind with a 77 to secure the fifth spot. Fellow senior Lily Feeback shot a 110 to finish 13th on the girls’ side and also qualify for the state meet.

Inclement weather had an adverse impact on a number of the scores posted Tuesday afternoon, said Libby coach Dann Rohrer.

“It was a tough day,” he said. “Ryggs’ 66 was an amazing round in those conditions. The snow was blowing sideways at some points and we had to start two hours late. The newer players haven’t really played in conditions like that and it took its toll.”

Despite not qualifying for state, Rohrer said he was proud of how his other four players, Zander Petersen, Buddy Doolin, Andrew Freese and India Croucher, performed both at the district tourney and throughout the season. The team’s chemistry, he said, helped create an environment in which they all flourished.

“I just can’t say enough about the togetherness of this team,” he said. “They were really a tight team. They worked so hard and so well together. The whole team had such a great chemistry, it was a great way to spend a spring. I want to thank them and the parents for making this such a special year.“

Old Works Divisional

Boys top five

1. Ryggs Johnston, Libby, 66

2. Caleb Stetzner, Anaconda, 70

3. Joseph Potkonjak, Bigfork, 71

4. Bucky Crippen, Loyola, 76

5. Jonny Cielak, Libby, 77

Team results

1. Loyola, 337

2. Anaconda, 347

3. Bigfork, 359

3. Manhattan, 359

5. Broadwater, 360

6. Three Forks, 376

7. Ronan, 380

8. Thompson Falls, 381

9. Jefferson, 383

10. Powell County, 422

11. Libby, 440

Girls top five

1. Sydney Rockford, Thompson Falls, 86

2. Shainy Mack, Thompson Falls, 90

3. Lynzee Decker, Townsend, 94

4. Katy Fagg, Loyola, 96

5. Madison Purdy, Loyola, 102

Team results

1. Three Forks, 385

2. Thompson Falls, 452

3. Loyola, 456

4. Ronan, 478

5. Eureka, 487

6. Anaconda, 522

Libby’s girls did not place in the final competition because they did not enter a full team of four in the tournament.