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PATRICK WEBB/for the Observer

Ilwaco High School freshman Ashton Cherry watches the progress of his drive during an early practice for the spring golf season. The growing numbers turning out for the Fishermen reflect the popularity of the sport.

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PATRICK WEBB/for the Observer

Two members of the sophomore class at IHS, Liylla Carlile, left, and Halle Manning are among those turning out for the golf team. They are also keen members of the wrestling squad and Carlile qualified for state earlier this year.

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PATRICK WEBB/for the Observer

Keaton Burnett

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‘I think we’ll have a very good chance this year.’

— Keaton Burnett

IHS golf coach on post-season prospects

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Ilwaco High School Golf

March 18 Surfside (h)

March 24 Surfside (h) Girls only

March 26 Cathlamet (a)

April 2 Surfside (h)

April 16 Cathlamet (a)

April 22 Adna (a)

April 25 Mary M. Knight, Elma (a) Girls only

April 28 North Beach (a)

May 1 Surfside (h)

May 7-8 District, Longview (a)

May 20-21 State, Spokane (a)

Matches begin at 3:30 p.m.

Ilwaco’s golf squad will tee off with three returning seniors.

And Head Coach Keaton Burnett is optimistic.

“Seniors Westin Billeci, Blake Bell and Korbyn Tucker are returning for their final season, and I look forward to seeing the culmination of all the hard work they’ve put in over the last few years,” he said. “I’m anticipating post-season opportunities for them to round off their last season.”

Last year, Billeci and Bell played at the District tournament, but did not advance; Billeci placed seventh, with only the top five making the cut.

“I think we did quite well last year considering it was the first year for about half of the team,” said the coach. “We had a few players advance to Districts, which is always good to see. No state last year, but that’s the nature of the game. You can’t predict outcomes as easily as team sports and it’s really anyone’s game come tournament day. However, I think we’ll have a very good chance this year.”

A dozen boys — half of them newcomers — had signed up as early practices began.

The team will see three sophomore girls return, Lyla Inskeep, Halle Manning and Liylla Carlile with likely one new golfer. The trio are enthusiastic members of the Ilwaco wrestling program and Carlile took part in the state tournament in February.

Burnett looks to see them develop their game. “Now that they have their footing and their first year under their belt, I’m excited to see what they are capable of this year and build off last year’s experiences,” he said.

The schedule sees four home meets at the Surfside Golf Course beginning March 18, with a meet against golfers from North Beach, Willapa Harbor and Three Rivers Christian in Longview. New opponents this year will be Agape Christian Academy from Camas, joining familiar rivals from Wahkiakum, Winlock and Adna.

There will be two girls-only meets, March 24 at home and April 24 at Mary M. Knight in Elma. The other home contests are April 2 and May 1, which is their last meet before Districts at the Mint Valley course in Longview May 7-8. The state meet will be at the Meadow Wood Golf Course in Spokane May 20-21.

Burnett is enjoying the opportunity. “This will be my fourth year, although it doesn’t feel like it. Time has really flown by the past few years,” he said.