Walker Valley aims for state

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo Avery George of Walker Valley High School tees off during a recent tournament at Bear Trace.

The trophy case at Walker Valley High School is devoid of any golf state champion trophies.

That could change after this week. And it could change in a big way.

The Mustangs have a chance to bring home four Class AAA trophies -- the boy's team trophy, the boy's individual trophy, the girl's team trophy, and the girl's team trophy.

The odds are long on all of that happening.

But, as they say, there's a chance.

"The guys are fired up and I don't have to tell them a lot," coach Bob Williams said. "We're familiar with the course, we've played it a couple times, and they'll be ready to go."

And the ladies, including potential medalist senior Avery George?

"I talked with them and they're excited," Williams said. "They know some of the girls they'll be playing with through summer tournaments. If they play well, we'll have an opportunity."

George has qualified for the state championship as an individual the past three years. This year, she's going as member of a team with Katie Bishop joining her.

"I'm pretty excited knowing that I have a team and we'll show people what we can do," said George, who has committed to Middle Tennessee State. "If we keep playing like we have, then we can definitely win."

Soddy-Daisy senior Jessica Cathey will have an inverse experience from George. She's played in the state before as the member of a team. But the Austin-Peay commit has never been there alone as she will be Tuesday and Wednesday at Willowbrook Golf Club in Manchester.

"It's a little different, and I really don't know what to expect," said Cathey, who played a practice round with George on Sunday at Willowbrook. "I won't have anybody to support, and nobody will be supporting me."

The five-man Walker Valley boy's team had the worst score of the eight region champions at 327. But the Region 3 tournament last two days due to horrible weather conditions that forced two rain delays and the suspension of play last Monday.

The Mustangs were 23 shots better during the City Prep Championship at Bear Trace Harrison Bay only two weeks earlier.

"All five of us, at Region, that was the highest we shot all year," senior Corey Evans said. "It was pretty chaotic with the weather.

"The fact is that we've made it to state."

And there's a chance they could all win it all.