Central qualifies for state by advancing foursome

Facing last year's Class 4 runner-up Poplar Bluff on its home course proved too much for Central on Monday, as the Tigers fell three strokes short of the Mules in the Class 4 District 1 golf tournament held at Westwood Hills Country Club in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Poplar Bluff finished with a 297, followed by Central with 300. Jackson finished seventh with a 333.

While Central did not get the automatic bid to the state tournament that went to the district champion, the Tigers qualified four individuals to the state tournament, which enters them in the team standings at the Deer Lake Golf Course in Springfield, Mo., on May 15 and 16.

"We came close to beating them on their home course," Central coach Dick Wadlington said. "We've been averaging about 300 all year long."

Central senior Blake Driskell successfully defended his district crown, sharing medalist honors with Anthony Houska of Seckman with a 3-under-par 68.

Kirk Lohmann placed fifth for the Tigers with a 75; Robert Kaverman came in eighth with a 78; and Zach Kluesner shot a 79 for ninth. Jack Connell was Central's fifth man with an 83.

"We wanted our fifth man to go, but it didn't work out like that," Wadlington said. "When you have four kids finish in the top 10, that's pretty good."

Central will get another crack at Poplar Bluff on Thursday when the Tigers host the Mules in a dual at the Cape Girardeau Country Club.

"They're a good team, and we feel like we have a good team," Wadlington said. "We'll have numerous chances to play them again."

Taylor McDowell led Jackson with an 81. T.J. Smith right behind at 82, while Josh Wheeler carded an 83. Gabe Sauer rounded out the team score with an 87.

Notre Dame and Perryville will be in action today in the Class 3 District 1 tournament held at the Eagle Lake Golf Course in Farmington. St. Vincent will play Wednesday in the Class 1 District 1 tournament at Piney Valley Golf Course in Fort Leonard Wood.