Avrey Wiltse-Hiatt and teammate Brodie Avalon discuss strategy for playing the Tumwater course during the final round of the state tournament. Coach Andrew Weiler credited Avalon for his considerable assistance.

Golf is a team sport.

For anyone who thinks differently, Wahkiakum High School has news for you.

Coach Andrew Weiler took the Mules golf team to the Tumwater Valley Golf Course after a season in which the girls were District 4 champions.

At state, freshman first-time golfer Jessie LeFever shot a 121 and did not make the cut of 106, but junior Avery Wiltse-Hiatt and eighth-grader Brie Cothren qualified to play on the second day.

Wiltse-Hiatt, who had an 88 the first day, shot 91 on the second. Cothren scored 99 and 107.

Once the last golfers had completed their rounds, WIAA officials tallied all the combined scores and announced Wahkiakum had won the 1B/2B state championship trophy.

Wiltse-Hiatt earned an individual medal for her fifth-place accomplishment; Cothren placed 17th.

Weiler said when the announcement was made, the Mules’ contingent was still doing the math after hearing that Jenkins School from Chewelah, whose two girls had placed 11 and 13, had earned second place. WHS finished three points ahead.

“The girls were really celebrating and went up to receive the trophy,” he said. “We were definitely on ‘Cloud 9.”

‘Helpful’

For Wahkiakum boys, senior Sebastian Britt advanced at state; he shot 98 but did not make the cut of 88. Brodie Avalon went as an alternate, but did not play. Instead, he guided Wiltse-Hiatt on her medal-winning round.

“He was tremendously helpful working with her, managing the course and helping with decision-making,” said Weiler. “He made a huge contribution.”

Weiler was part of the original cohort of golfers who started the Wahkiakum program in 2006 and played all four years of high school. He has moved back to the area and is in his second year coaching.

“I think this success will put us on the map in the community and inspire more girls,” he said.

One will be newcomer LeFever. “She is so dedicated. She saw what Avrey did and says she is going to be in the top-10 next year!”