The Broncos boys golf team will look to put it all together today and Tuesday in an effort to make expectations and advance to the state championships
There’s a buzz around the Falls Country Club, and it’s not from the heaters battling the chilly temperatures.
International Falls’ boys golf team is the favorite heading into the first round of today’s Section 7AA tournament at The Quarry at Giants Ridge, and many are hoping — and expecting — a state tournament berth.
The Broncos’ 306 average is “by far our best since I’ve coached 14 years,” said Broncos coach Bill Mason, and all six participants are capable of shooting in the 70s.
Sophomore Glenn Walls, who’s won three tournaments this season, is currently ranked third in all of Class 2A with a 73.6 average. He’ll be joined today by sophomores Jeff Shermoen and Derek Riley, seniors Travis Blais and Justin Mayer and freshman Brett Musich. Blais’ last name was Phillipe up until Tuesday, when he legally changed it to match his mother. All six have posted scores in the 70s this season, and Blais has the other top individual finish. He beat Riley in a playoff for medalist honors in the Bronco Invitational.
“It’s just a matter of going out and having the guys play their normal game,” Mason said. “Just hit shots and play golf like we’ve played all year. Hopefully, that takes care of itself.”
The Broncos were first after Day 1 in last year’s section tournament, but faltered on Day 2 and finished third behind Virginia and Hermantown. The same two teams will be the Broncos’ toughest competition today, and all three are expected to advance to Tuesday’s second round. The top four team scores from today’s round advance to Tuesday, along with 20 individuals.
Walls, Blais, Shermoen, Mayer and Riley were all on last year’s team, giving Mason hopes his squad can easily overcome last year’s collapse. The goal today is to stay close with the four qualifiers and not dig too deep of a hole for Tuesday. Or they could go the other route.
“We would like to have a nice lead. That would be nice,” Mason said.
