Congratulations to Ruby Cochenour (11) and Abby Tadema (9) who represented the HHS Girls Golf team as qualifiers in this year's District Golf Tournament held at Riverside Golf Course in Chehalis, WA.
This was Tadema's first time playing in the tournament; it was Cochenour's second. Both girls entered the tournament seeded outside of the top 40 and had to play their best round of the season to qualify for Day Two of the tournament. How did they do it? Reason 1: Both girls improved steadily improved throughout the season and that improvement carried over to the tournament. Reason 2: Cochenour and Tadema handled the course's infamous Hole 11 (pictured below), clearing the water hazard and landing their approach shots safely on the green. Why is that noteworthy? This hole proved treacherous for many competitors, many of whom took 7 or more strokes to clear the water. The hole's difficulty even led to the disqualification of one golfer who took over 10 shots to get onto the green.
Hole 11 at Riverside Golf Course
So, it's safe to say that it was a relief for both athletes to get over the water in one stroke! Not only did they avoid the Hole 11 "trap," they were rewarded: They both qualified for the second day of the tournament - a first for both golfers. Also, the hole was capped with a stroke limit on the second day of the tournament.
HHS Girls Golf Coach Ben Nelson was happy for both of his players. According to Nelson, both Cochenour and Tadema aren't only dedicated athletes, they have outstanding sportsmanship. "Both Abby and Ruby are very coachable and great kids," said Nelson. "Most all of the time, they can be seen helping other golfers in their groups. Both girls are committed to improvement. Through their consistent hard work, they got better and better as the season progressed - which we saw at the district tournament," Nelson added.
Nelson has high expectations for his players heading into next season - a feeling echoed by both Cochenour and Tadema. This year's post-season performance by both golfers has given them confidence heading into next year. They responded "Yes" when asked if they were going to make it back to both days of the district tournament next year. Cochenour added, "And then we're going to State!"
his year’s performance has given both golfers confidence heading into next year. Way to go, Hawks!