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RC Senior Tied For Second In Region
Rockbridge County High School senior golfer Andrew McCoy advanced to the Class 3 state tournament with his performance at the Region 3C tournament on Tuesday of last week at Heritage Oaks Golf Course in Harrisonburg.
McCoy, who was named to the all-region team, shot a 73 to tie Spotswood senior Jack Baugher for second place of 62 golfers on the challenging 18-hole, par-70 course. Wilson Memorial senior Chase Snyder won the tournament with a 69. The top three teams and the top three individuals outside of those teams advanced to the Class 3 state tournament, which was scheduled to take place yesterday at Heritage Oaks. For McCoy’s result, visit www.thenews-gazette.com, and see next week’s newspaper for the full story and photos.
Commending McCoy for his strong round, RC head coach David Miller said, “Andrew was excellent all day long, but stepped up with two birdies on the last three holes.”
Reviewing his tournament, McCoy said, “I didn’t really hit the ball that great, but I made a lot of putts coming down the last stretch of holes.”
McCoy said advancing to the state tournament “means a lot, especially since I was so close last year. I was really down on myself after last year’s regionals.” McCoy narrowly missed advancing last year, when he placed fourth at the Region 3C tournament.
The senior added that he is grateful for Miller’s constant encouragement. “He’s helped a lot, especially with bringing me up when I’m down on myself and getting better,” said McCoy. “He helps boost my confidence.”
In addition to advancing, McCoy was one of 10 individuals named to the all-region team “and now gets to finish his high school golf career in style,” said Miller. “His great attitude and sportsmanship was on display; he has worked hard and deserves all the good things that have come his way.”
Also competing for the Wildcats was Davis Welsh, who completed an outstanding freshman season by firing an 84. Miller said Welsh “held his own,” and he sees Welsh making it back to the regional tournament several more times. “Proud of his season finish,” added Miller.
The advancing teams were Western Albemarle, which won with a 291, and Liberty Christian Academy, which placed second of eight teams with a 319. Rounding out the top five were RC’s Valley District rival Spotswood (325), Wilson Memorial (335) and Turner Ashby (337), also from the Valley District.
This would be the second state tournament appearance for McCoy, who tied for 18th in the state as a sophomore, when he helped the Wildcats place eighth as a team at Stonehenge Golf & Country Club in Richmond.
