The Lopez Island High School Golf Team closed a very successful season at the end of May, with six students traveling to State as a crowning achievement. Academically, both the men and women teams won the State Academic Championships due to their excellent grades.

In golf itself, the women competed against B, BB, and A teams all the way to a ninth place at the State A/BB/B tournament; only one other school placing was not an “A” school. Zoey Reinmuth, Shayna Gruenwald, Nora Zapalac, Kate Combs, Siri Dye, and Anah-Kate Drahn competed in post-season play, with Nora, Kate, Siri, and Anah-Kate making it all the way to State. Their scores were overwhelming throughout the season: for example, their three ladies teams took the first three places at the Friday Harbor Invitational, with almost all of them scoring better than the best player from the other schools.

For the men, Tobin Arden led the season; he was undefeated in the Northwest B League, the Friday Harbor Invitational, the District 1 Tournament and the Bi-District Tournament, often winning by margins of seven strokes or more. Gary Liu accompanied him to the District Tournament, and freshman Reese Hamilton made it all the way to State. The men did well as a team; for example, at the Friday Harbor Invitational, they missed first place by two strokes out of total of 404.

As always, the team’s success depended on the support of the Lopez Island Golf Course kind members, Board, and employees, with special thanks to Jody and Joyce, the Lopez Booster Club, the staff of the school, Pro Steve Nightingale, the families of the players, and the innumerable community members who provide us with encouragement and equipment.

Richard Têtu

Lopez Island High School golf coach