Mount Si’s Drew Warford won his second consecutive 4A state golf title on May 21-22 at The Creek at Qualchan Golf Course in Spokane.
The Wildcat junior shot a 71-71-142 and the Mount Si squad took fourth overall.
Gonzaga Prep’s Nate Plaster and Eastlake’s Costas Panay led the pack with 69s on the first day and Kamiak’s Daniel Kim notched a 70, but Warford won out in the end.
Warford’s goal was to enter the course with clubs blazing on day two and put pressure on the leaders. Golfing with the leaders in the same group, Warford said “it was pretty intense” as he notched two birdies on the first three holes, taking the lead and maintaining the advantage the rest of the way.
Mount Vernon’s Kyle Cooley (71-73-144) and Plaster (69-75-144) tied for second, Eastlake’s Victor Wang took fourth (73-72-145), and Kim (70-77-147) and Kamiak’s Josh Clogston (75-72-147) tied for fifth with Panay (69-78-147).
Warford hit the ball better on day two, and his teammates followed suit with solid rounds. Not only did they achieve their goal of all advancing to the second day, the Wildcats powered their way up the team leaderboard as well.
Other Mount Si boys golfers at state were Cooper Neil, Cole Bostwick, Jack Miller and Noah Lange. See all scores at wiaa.com.
After day one, the Wildcats discussed that since the pins were placed in hard spots, they should shoot for the middle of greens and go for pars. Also, they knew the wind would be kicking up during the second day’s round, so that was another obstacle.
“We said to play play smart and stay positive for the whole round,” Warford said.
Warford was ready to unleash his talent again at state and achieve a repeat at the top of the victory podium.
“I kind of put a lot of pressure on myself. To win back to back, I was happy I did it. It was a goal of mine,” he said.
The day following the tournament, Warford said he received copious texts and Instagram direct messages from people at school and in the community congratulating him on his title.
Mount Si’s girls placed eighth and Wildcat Kasey Maralack tied for 12th at 75-84-159 with Bellarmine Prep’s Jessica Zelasko (76-83-159).
Completing the Wildcat girls’ list were Tori Berger, Annie Burns, Erika Groshell and Allie Miller.
