Houlton golfers Class C state runners-up

Houlton High School golfers were named the Class C state runner-up champions at last Saturday’s team meet at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro.
    “They played as well as they could on that day,” said Houlton coach David Grant.
The four best scores of the five players is used to determine a team score. Ties are broken using the fifth score.
St. Dominic’s performance of 319 took the Class C title, with the Shiretowners coming in second with a score of 342. Winthrop was third with a 351; George Stevens Academy, 355 and Deer Isle-Stonington, 356.
Houlton had won the Class C championship in 2006, 2009 and 2010.
Leading the Houlton team was Ryan Dee, who shot an 83, followed by Alex Donovan, 85; and the remaining three golfers, Cole McLaughlin, Lucas Peabody and Cameron J. Clark, all carded 87s.
“They were very consistent,” said Grant. “The weather was no factor in the scores. It’s tough down there and there is a lot of hype. Their youthfulness showed up. But, I am very proud of them.”
The two seniors to graduate are McLaughlin and Donovan,  but the Shiretowners will be eight-members strong coming back next year.
“I am really excited about the future,” said Grant.
Grant feels he is two years away from bringing home a state championship.
“These are good golfers who are getting better,” he added. “And, they are also great kids to work with.”
The Shiretowners played the Arrowhead course in a practice round on Friday and shot a team score of 321.
Other members of the team are Lexi Emerson, Garrett Putnam, Parker Brewer, Aaron Sewell and Cameron E. Clark.