Spartan golfers head to state
By Diana Royal dianar@thetruecitizen.com

The Spartan golf team heads to state competition next week after finishing third in Region 2-AA.

Edmund Burke Academy shot a 325 on Monday, April 21, finishing just 5 strokes behind last year's region and state champs, Trinity Christian School, who hosted the tournament. Frederica Academy breezed into the first place spot, shooting an overall 306. Bulloch Academy finished in fourth place after shooting 353.

According to head coach Mike Smith, it was no surprise to see Frederica claim the championship, as they have ruled the region pretty much all season, and during the tournament, all six players shot a 78 or better.

However, EBA senior Bernie Smith obtained the low medalist honor, out-shooting the competition with a 72. He, along with classmate Matthew Rocker, was named All-Region.

Rocker shot a 75 for the day, while Jeremy Hayes shot 88, and Jim Hopkins, 90.

The team's two alternate players, Nelson Liu and Holden Vause, shot 93 and 106, respectively. Liu will accompany the team's top four to state on Monday, April 28, where they'll compete again in Dublin, but this time against 15 other teams.

Coach Smith says his team should finish in the top five easily, but if Bernie Smith and Rocker both play like they did at region and Hayes and Hopkins play to their potential, the Spartans have a good shot at finishing in the top three.