The Whitharral Panthers and Lady Panthers, and Anton Bulldogs and Lady Dawgs golf programs competed at the 1A District 5 Golf Tournament this past Thursday at the Olton Country Club, resulting in numerous Regional Qualifiers across the four programs.
The Whitharral Panthers Red Team won the District Championship, and the Panthers Black Team finished runners-up, both qualifying for Regionals.
Copper Popelka was the individual District Champion and Hudson Prowell was the District Runner-Up for the Panthers, and Emberley Prowell was the District Runner-Up for the Lady Panthers, which also qualified her for Regionals.
“I was really proud of how the boys’ teams played at the district tournament,” Whitharral Head Golf Coach Ben Prowell said. “We were fortunate enough to get both boys teams out and advance to regionals. I challenged the kids to go play their best round of the year, and several of them did just that. Copper played very well shooting a 77 in his final district tournament. Emberly hung in there and played well enough to advance to the Regional Tournament individually under windy conditions and putting on tough greens. Hudson stepped up as a freshman and placed second overall.”
For Anton, the Lady Dawgs shined, placing as the District Runner-Up with a total score of 534, also qualifying for the Regional Tournament. That effort was powered by Ally Ramirez shooting a 127, Miliana Castillo shooting a 134, Alyssa Mancias shooting a 136, Liberty Peek shooting a 137 and Alisiah Alafa shooting a 142.
“This group made history. In year one, they didn’t just show up, they set the standard for what Anton girls golf is going to be about,” Anton Head Golf Coach Brian Duncan said. “I’m proud of how they’ve competed all season. They bought in, stayed consistent and earned this moment. To see them make Regionals in our first year is special; it speaks to their toughness, discipline and belief in each other. This is just the beginning.”
And though the boys’ team didn’t have any notable finishes, Coach Duncan would go on to express his pride in their effort and his optimism for the program’s future.
Those who qualified will be back in action next Monday and Tuesday for the Regional Tournament at the Meadowbrook Country Club. The boys will compete at the Creek Course and the girls will compete at the Canyon Course.