Athlete of the week 5/20/09

Jackson sophomore Tanner Werner's golfing skills have landed him in multiple high-pressure situations, so he knows how to handle the butterflies.

Werner worked his way around Dalhousie Golf Course in 70 shots, two under par, to capture medalist honors at the SEMO Conference meet. Werner stepped to the 18th tee box clinging to a one-shot lead.

Even when Central's Tim Simmons gave himself an eagle putt to erase the lead, Werner remained calm. He hit an approach shot that left him a makeable birdie putt.

After Simmons missed the eagle putt, Werner stepped up to his putt, took five quick practice swings and rolled in the tournament-clinching putt.

"It was pretty straight," Werner said of his putt. "It was uphill and there wasn't anything that was tricky about it. I hit it firm and let it go."

Jackson coach Zack Walton said Werner's laid-back attitude allows him to remain calm, even in the most pressure-packed situations.

"When he gets in those pressure situations, that's just Tanner," Walton said. "He's a calm player and keeps his head on there and plays smart. I think the last hole proves it. He laid up instead of going for it, made a nice chip shot by the green to get his birdie, which is smart golf."

Werner earned his second consecutive trip to the Class 4 state tournament, where he finished second as a freshman