State golf tournament begins today

Elkins’ Miller, B-U’s Coffman, Tucker’s Russell qualified as individuals, Philip Barbour as a team

WHEELING -- The high school state golf tournament gets underway this morning at the Jones Course at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling.

Elkins High School's Tanner Miller returns to the 36-hole, two-day event for the second straight season. The junior earned a berth after shooting an 86 in the Class AA Region II tourney held last Monday at Mingo Bottom Golf Club in Elizabeth.

"Tanner is looking to play and score better this year," Tigers coach Dave Baird said.

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Evan Coffman is among the Class AAA field. Coffman was the Big 10 Conference Player of the Year after helping lead the Bucs to the league title.

B-U's Jason Westfall was the Big 10 Coach of the Year.

Tucker County's Harper Russell is qualified in Class A. The senior shot an 83 in the regional tournament.

Philip Barbour, which captured the Class AA Region II championship, will compete for the team crown.

Team members include Brayden Cole, Mason Halfin, Alfred Isch and Sara Simon. Tyler Rogers serves as the Colt mentor.

Halfin carded an 87 and Cole an 89 in the regional tournament.

Pocahontas County and Moorefield also qualified as teams in Class A, along with St. Marys, Wheeling Central, Notre Dame, Summers County, Calhoun County and Gilmer County.

Class AAA qualifying teams include Wheeling Park, John Marshall, Jefferson, Washington, Woodrow Wilson, George Washington, Cabell Midland and Hurricane.

Joining the Colts in double-A are Keyser, fellow Big 10 member North Marion, Roane County, Herbert Hoover, Shady Spring, Point Pleasant and Winfield.

Wheeling Park (AAA), Shady Spring (AA) and St. Marys are the defending champions.