Macon County High School Golf Team Earns 5th in State
By: Misty Green
The Macon County High School Girls Golf team attended the TSSAA State Golf Championship Class A-AA on October 5 and 6, 2010, held at WillBrook Golf Club in Manchester, TN.
Macon County tied for 5th place out of 8 teams in attendance.
“This is possibly the most competitive team I have coached,” Beverly Shoulders said, explaining that she has been with this group of athletes since they were in the fifth grade, and they continue to try and out play their previous scores.
“I have had a girls team for the past five years to make an appearance at the State competition, but this group that just got back was the youngest team so far, and they were nervous never having played in that kind of atmosphere,” Coach Shoulders said.
There were two freshmen and one sophomore on the team that advanced to the State Tournament from Macon County High School, and if they continue with the sport, their athletic skills can only improve.
Individual MCHS scores: Kaitlin Cartwright 92 – 85 = 177, Kaleigh Chitwood 90 – 96 = 186, Lauren Gammons 92 – 96 = 188. Savannah Knight was named as an alternate.
“Considering the number of people watching, all the cameras flashing, and the other things going on at State, they did very well individually,” Head Coach Beverly Shoulders said, adding, “especially being such a young team.”
With 53 girls competiting in the tournament, Kaitlin Cartwright placed 17th, Kaleigh Chitwood tied for 26th place, and Lauren Gammons placed 32nd.
Macon County’s Zach Polston qualified to compete in the TSSAA State Championship individually from his performance in the Regional Tournament.
“This was the first time I have ever had a boy to go to State,” Coach said. “The last time I can remember a boy golfer making it to the State Tournament was Joey Tuck, and that was over 10 years ago,” she smiled.
In a contest against 72 other participants, Polston shot 80-82=162 for the two day event. He placed 26th out of the 72 other opponents, but possibly a fact that is most impressive, was that he was the lowest scoring Freshman in attendance.
Congratulations MCHS Golf Team for a good showing at state and a great season overall.
Coach Beverly Shoulders has been at the helm of the Macon County High School Golf Team for the past eight years, and according to her, she still loves it. “I love it all, the kids, the game of golf, and being outside,” she explained.
“This year’s trip to State was a great experience for the group. I plan to be back next year, and in time, be the first sport in Macon County history to win the State Championship.”
The commitment of the sport is not only shown in the four members of the Macon County Golf team who made this appearance at State, but for the ones who did not qualify to attend.
“Most of the team members are always out on the green practicing. Every free minute they have, it seems like they are playing golf,” Coach said, “and it shows.”
Coach Beverly Shoulders would like to send out a special message, thanking the parents, Macon County High School, and the Macon County Golf Course for all of their support this season.
