Sports : Lauren Tandy and Tyler Stueck place 19th at Co-Ed State Golf Tourney

Coed State Golf: Sophomores Tyler Stueck and Lauren Tandy and Seniors Mara Jessen and Dylan Rippel.

Mara, Dylan and Tyler

Dylan, Tyler, Lauren and Mara

Seniors Mara Jessen and Dylan Rippel played their last high school golf event this week.

Lauren deals with the rough.

Coach Pettyjohn speaks to sophomores Lauren Tandy and Tyler Stueck.

The Vikings/Vikette golfers took two pairs to play in the Co-Ed State golf Tournament Tuesday at Cedar Pointe Golf Club in Boone. Seniors Dylan Rippel and Mara Jessen played in their final high school meet and had a great time. Sophomores Tyler Stueck and Lauren Tandy played well for the Vikings. There were 56 two-person teams competing on the par 72 course.

The tournament set up is alternate shot with the girls teeing off on the even numbered holes and the boys off odd numbered holes and alternate shot from there. There were several state place winners and D-1 athletes competing Tuesday both on the girls and boys side. Both of the Vikings teams were playing with soon to be D-1 athletes. As I talked to other parents and coaches, it was fascinating to hear the stories of all of the places these athletes will be going all across the United States. Some will continue to golf and others will be concentrating on their choice of study.

This tournament was started as a nice way to end the golf season and have fun. Lauren Tandy finished the day in front of the clubhouse chipping in for birdie on a long par five in front of a nice crowd. Dylan and Mara birdied number seven, their second to last hole on a long birdie putt from Mara. Both groups enjoyed their time together on the course but walking away always feels better after a couple birdies to finish! Dylan and Mara tied for 42nd while Tyler and Lauren finished tied for 19th. As I coached and watched these kids play, I was very pleased with their teamwork. We all had a great time and they played very well.