For the Record-Times

BUFFALO– Wheatland High School golf team ended their spring season with a one-day tournament, welcoming good weather at the well-manicured Buffalo Golf Club last Monday.

The boys’ team concluded their strong spring season by shooting a team score of 316 to place behind 4A powerhouses Thunder Basin (315) and Kelly Walsh (309). This performance helped continue the boys’ team trend of finishing third or higher in every tournament this spring.

Individually, Tate Nichols shot a 75 to finish third in a tie with Campbell’s Cade Peterson. First place went to Kelly Walsh’s Isaac Schmidt with 73. Dylan Nelson shot a 77 to finish in a tie for 6th, and Brecken Sandlian shot a 78 to finish in tenth place. They were followed by Ace Keil (86) and Matthew Wakkuri (91).

There was not a girls’ team score since there is only one girl out this spring. Haylee Nelson fired an 84 to finish runner up behind Sheridan’s Cameryn Wagner with 79.

“We had three boys finish in the top ten, which I believe will be a common theme heading into next fall’s competitive season,” Coach Tony Nichols said. “Their success this spring was only prelude of what’s to come next fall. This group of boys understand that healthy competition brings a competitive culture in our program, so they will battle against each other all summer long.”

Nichols said the team has two goals heading into next fall: to bring a regional and state championship back to Wheatland. He said that is an attainable feat, as the golfers plan to put in time to practice over the summer to develop the skills they’ve already demonstrated in the last eight weeks.

“Not only did our boys fare well, but our lone girl (Nelson) had her best finish of the season placing second on a very tough golf course. Our top three boys and top girl are committed to play in the Wyoming State Golf Association’s events, as well as junior events. Playing different venues against the top statewide adult and junior competitors will give our golfers a significant advantage over our 3A competition when high school golf picks back up in August. We are already looking forward to next fall’s season and the summer hasn’t even begun,” Nichols said. “Piggy backing off our recent girls’ team regional and state title runs, Wheatland High School golf is in a great place right now.”