SURFSIDE – Ilwaco’s top four golfers, all sophomores, finished ahead of LaCenter’s best score and set a school record at Surfside Tuesday by carding a spectacular 153. The Fishermen were led by Jack Whealdon’s 34, also a school record for nine holes at the home course.

Whealdon’s round was two under par and included three birdies. Adam Bundy placed second with a 37, Todd Oakes shot 40 and Tyler Johnson added a 42 to top the old Ilwaco record of 154 by one stroke.

“We are playing real well right now,” said an obviously pleased Coach Dan Whealdon. “The weather has been great and we are excited about District coming up in two weeks. The hard work these kids have put in (all year) is really paying off.”

Tanner Roggenkamp, the Wildcats top golfer, fired a 43. Tanner Bonawitz shot a 51 and Jared Wanke a 54, as the pair of freshmen are showing consistent improvement according to Whealdon. “Both Tanner and Jared have put in the time it takes to improve their games and both love to play golf.”

And if having four sophomores break a school record isn’t enough, the Fishermen had three eighth graders also play exhibition rounds against LaCenter and two of them also bested the Wildcat’s best effort. Patrick Whealdon fired a 36 and Ryan Kukula carded a 39 that would have lowered the Fishermen’s record-breaking round by an astounding seven more strokes. David Lewis added a 51.

“The team is driving well for distance and our biggest improvement has been in the short game. We’re pitching and putting well and the guys seem to be in a good frame of mind to compete,” Whealdon concluded.