Cascade golf team gets valuable state experience

The State 1A Golf Tournament was held on March 22-23 at the Liberty Lake and Hangman Valley golf courses in Spokane. Golfing for Cascade was senior Tim Wells, freshman Isaac Cortes and sophomore Emma Neilson.
Wells finished 33rd out of 80 golfers, Cortes shot 98 and Nielson 124, both missing the cut. Wells has participated in state three times. Last year, he finished 37th.
“This year he was hoping for a much higher finish but just couldn’t put it all together at the tough and long par 70  Liberty Lake Golf Course. He shot an 85 on the first day to qualify by three strokes.The second day cut was 88,” Alexander said.
On the second day, Wells was just one-over after five holes. Alexander said it appeared he was offer to stellar round, but then he plunked one into the water on the Par 5, 7th hole and ended up with a double-bogey. He shot 42 on the front, then 46 on the back for a total of 88.  
“We feel Tim was just trying too hard to make something happen and it just wasn’t his day. Tim has been a fierce competitor since his first year and has been a leader all year. He will be  missed,” Alexander said.
It was the first state competition for Cortes and Nielson. Cortes is a three-sport athlete from a golfing family. He put his best foot forward at Liberty Lake.
“He struggled with his short game during the day. He shot a 51 on the front and recovered nicely with a 47 on the back for a total  of 98. Your short game needs to be sharp on this tough course. There are so many sand traps everywhere. Your sand game better be dialed in also,” Alexander said of his grandson.
Alexander said he and assistant coach Ken Baumann are looking forward to working with Cortes over the next few years, feeling he could be a good one.
The girls played at Hangman Valley. Alexander said Nielson, who has really improved over the course of the season, had a good practice round.
“I could tell she was a little nervous on the first tee. There is always a gallery there. And I felt she did very well for a first timer. I don’t ever recall a first year golfer making it to state. She did and I am very proud of her,” Alexander said. “She didn’t play her best on this day, a 124, but I could tell by the smile on her face that she had fun. It was quite a hike, and was sure she slept well that night. It was a good day.”
Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.