Senior Zoey Zuern has been a fixture in Ilwaco sports. She concluded her high school career at the WIAA 1B/2B state tournament at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course. Her first-round score was good enough to make the “cut” to play a second day, although she did not place in the medals.

TUMWATER — Senior Zoey Zuern concluded her Ilwaco High School sports career with one thing on her mind.

She was eager to thank the people who supported her along the way.

The soccer and basketball team standout competed through the spring in another sport playing as an individual qualifier at the state 1B/2B golf tournament.

On the first day, she carded 100 at the Tumwater Valley Golf Club, putting her down the field but still making the cut to play a second day, where she scored 102. First-day leader Makenna Kelpman of Sound Christian shot 77 and earned first-place, scoring 75 on the second day.

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‘Getting to play for this team has been an honor and a joy.’

Zoey Zuern, Ilwaco golfer

“I finished 15th out of the 40 girls that made it to state,” Zuern said. “I could have shaved a few strokes here and there, but overall I think that I performed well. Golf is my favorite sport and one of my favorite things to do, so getting to play for this team has been an honor and a joy.”

‘Awesome’

Five Ilwaco girls and four boys qualified for districts, with Zuern and first-time player Westin Billeci, a sophomore, advancing to state.

In Tumwater, Billeci also scored 100 on his first round, but did not advance. Dan Harrington of Northwest Christian (Colbert) won the boys’ title with rounds of 74 and 79.

Keaton Burnett coached Ilwaco for the second year, bringing skills from his adult golf experience as well as his stellar high school career at Woodland.

“It was a great experience for everyone,” he said. “I look forward to future state tournaments and hope to be sending more golfers in the following years.”

Support was at hand. “I’d like to thank the other Ilwaco students, athletes, family and friends that make the trip out to support our players,” Burnett added. “While I don’t know them all personally, it was awesome to see such a large gathering of support. We had quite the ‘gallery’ for a high school golf tournament and possibly one of, if not the largest, followings on the course.”

Support

Zuern commended Burnett for his achievements with the squad.

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‘It was a great experience for everyone.’

Keaton Burnett, IGS golf coach

“He has done an amazing job as coach, and sending two athletes to state in your second year of coaching is a big accomplishment,” she said. “I really appreciate all of his help, and he definitely has gotten me out of some very difficult shots.”

Others earned Zuern’s applause, too:

“Gabby Bell (who graduated last year) and Sam Grote (IHS classmate) for being the best golf partners throughout the past four years. They always push me to be my best and always have me laughing.

“My dad (Don Zuern) for never missing a match, and always supporting me.

“To all my friends and family who came to support me. Some of you don’t have any idea or care about golf, but you all still showed up and supported me.

“And finally, the Kukula family for letting the team use their course. We wouldn’t be able to practice and get better without you. Go support Surfside Golf Course, it’s the best around.”