April 25, 2012

Boys golf team opens to a busy week

By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor

Watford City’s varsity boys golf team opened its season last week as the Wolves competed in tournaments in Killdeer, Stanley and Hazen. And with a fifth place finish at Killdeer and a third place finish at Stanley, Scott Wisness, boys’ head coach, likes what he is seeing for far.
“Killdeer was a good chance for us to see Dickinson Trinity and Hazen, two of the top teams in the state,” stated Wisness. “And at Stanley, we were able to see where we are with the teams from our region.”
Alex Hansen led the Wolves with a sixth place finish at Killdeer with a score of 81, while Colter Maki took sixth place with a score of 78 in Stanley.
“I was very impressed with Alex and Charles Villanueva in the first meet of the year,” stated Wisness. “Alex gained confidence as he medalled behind Lance Pender and Nathaniel of Dickinson Trinity and Kyle Lindquist and Josh Rothe of Hazen,  who were some of the top individuals at state last year. Colter started with a 40 on his first nine, but then found some trouble in the long grass to end up with an 89.”
Hazen won the tournament with a score of 323, while Dickinson Trinity came in second with a 327 and  Beulah took third with 333. Heart River took fourth with a score of  339, while Watford City finished fifth in the 14-team invitational with a score of 343.
Watford City individual scores at Killdeer were Alex Hansen, 81; Charles Villanueva, 85; Mitchell Liebel, 88; Colter Maki, 89; and Beau Heiser, 90.
At Stanley, the Wolves finished in third place with a score of 327 to trail Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood (MLS) and Lewis & Clark. MLS won the 10-team tournament with a score of 310, while Lewis & Clark took second with a score of 320.
“MLS and Lewis & Clark fared well as expected, placing first and second, but we were right behind them in third place,” stated Wisness. “Colter and Beau both had a great day, placing in the top 10. I was very impressed with my two freshmen, Beau and Charles, as they scored 81 and 85. They will be counted on throughout the season to bring in low scores for our team to do well and they came through for our team in Stanley.”
Watford City individual scores at Stanley were Colter Maki, 78; Beau Heiser, 81; Alex Hansen, 83; Charles Villanueva, 85; Mitchell Liebel, 90; and Brandon Sandvik, 101.
The Wolves wrapped up the week’s play at the Hazen Invitational on April 21 with Korbin Knutson leading the Wolves with a score of 104, while Lane Wold shot a 113 and James Wahus ended the day with a 162.
“Brandon Sandvik, Korbin Knutson, Lane Wold, and James Wahus were all able to gain some varsity experience this week,” stated Wisness. “Overall, I was pleased with the first week of the season and look forward to continuing to improve.”
Watford City’s next action will be at the Williston Municipal on April 26, and on May 1 when the Wolves  host an invitational.
 “Our goal is to be right at the top with MLS and Lewis & Clark and maybe even knock them off,” says Wisness. “Everyone will have to step up and golf to their potential to accomplish that goal, but I have confidence that we can do it. “

WATFORD CITY WEATHER