By TIM TAYLORValley Sports Report
WILLIAMSPORT — Eli Hicks recorded five birdies and an eagle to capture medalist honors at the PIAA District 4 Boys Class AA Golf Championships held at the Williamsport Country Club here Saturday.
The Athens senior, who has qualified for the state championships before, does not take this accomplishment for granted.
“It feels amazing, especially since all four years I've come up a little short and I could finally get it done my senior year,” he said.
“So proud of Eli today, he put it together,” said coach Shane Saxon. “Put an exclamation on it at the end of the day, making birdie to take a one-stroke win and finally pull it off in a senior year. He’s been so close the last two years, being one stroke off or leading, and just finally got it done. Super proud of Eli. One more go at states and then I’m going to miss the kid.”
Hicks, who carried a one-stroke edge into Day 2 of the tournament, held off a challenge from Lewisburg’s Bryce Bussom, who had three birdies in the final round. Both players carded a 77.
Bussom would grab a brief lead on the third hole, but Hicks’ eagle on 6 put the Wildcat golfer ahead for good. Hicks would take a 4-stroke advantage into the final three holes, but Bussom attempted a late rally until Hicks birdied No. 18 to shut the door. Hicks had eight birdies during the tournament, Bussom finished with six.
Hicks actually took a relaxed approach to his slim lead heading into the final day.
“My thought today was just go in, have fun, be loose, no nerves,” Hicks said.
Despite the tight battle with Bussom, there was a time when Hicks felt a win was inevitable.
“Maybe after my eagle on, I think, 6, I'm like, oh yeah, I can get in a groove now and then we can get back,” he said.
Ty Owen ended his round with eight pars and two birdies, scoring 80 and finishing in a three-way tie for a shot at the sixth state team spot at 160. Loyalsock’s Garrett Rankinen defeated Owen and East Juniata’s Cameron Feltman in a playoff, leaving the pair tied for seventh.
“I really feel for Ty,” coach Saxon said. “He had a little bit of a heartbreak, then he got brought back another chance and then heartbreak again. I know he’s really hurting from that but he’ll be stronger for it next year and he really had a great season.”
Lucas Grenninger made seven pars and shot an 87, good for 14th place with a 167. Peter Bertsch placed 22nd with a 175. His 89 on Day 2 included six pars and one birdie. Jacob Saxon parred four holes en route to a 94. He tied for 24th at 176. Duncan Thetga had a 94 as well and ended up 29th with a 181 total. He had four pars and one birdie.
“When it comes to the rest of the boys. I’m so proud of them,” coach Saxon said. “A lot of them got humbled today. It’s a tough course. The pins were in some really tough locations today on some nice slopes. Couple of them didn’t play the way they wanted to, but they got to experience it. Hopefully, they learn from that and bring it to next year‘s table when they’re ready to go at it again, but can’t say how proud I am of all the boys.
“Six out of seven making day two is a huge accomplishment for our team at the end of the year the boys were playing really good golf and they came together as a team and jelled probably one of the most fun seasons, if not the most fun season I’ve had in six years of being with the team.”
The individual state championships will be held Oct. 19-20 on the Penn State Blue Course.
Hicks placed 51st in each of the previous two state tournaments, but is looking to move up in his final appearance.
“I hope to be able to place top 25-ish, around there, and do better than last year,” Hicks said.
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PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR.
