Ray Plaase prepares for a swing at the Fallon Golf Course.
With the state tournament right around the corner, the Greenwave boys’ golf team came out on top in last week’s tournaments in Genoa and Edgewood, taking second and third respectively.
Fallon coach Rich Evans noted the tournaments were without one of their top golfers. He said their efforts suffered a little due to Ray Plasse’s absence. The other members of the team stepped up, though, and played a strong game. Evans said they qualified for state, ranking second in the north.
“They bring the top three teams from the north and south to play in the state tournament,” he said.
The tournament will be played Monday in Spring Creek. Evans did not know which teams from the south qualified, but said Fallon will be joined by teams from Spring Creek and Lowry representing the north.
“Lowry’s got a good program,” Evans said of the No. 3 team. “They have good programs and everything they do, they give it their best.”
The state tournament will consist of 36 holes played over two days. As of Monday, the team has been practicing to fine tune everything and prepare to compete. Evans said it was close between Fallon and Spring Creek; he said the Greenwave could come out on top if everything aligns correctly.
“If they (Spring Creek) have a bad day and we have a good day, we should be right there with them,” Evans said.
Only six golfers are allowed at the tournament. This works well for the Greenwave since they can take everyone. Mike Richards said a small team was good for them as it meant they had a closer dynamic — they all get along well and “have no team issues.”
“It’s a really nice team environment to be in as a player,” Richards said. “I think our coach can say the same for that.”
The golfers also recently held their end-of-year awards. Evans said Plasse and Kelvin Cann made the first team for the north.
There are three seniors on the team this year. Evans noted Plaase, Ethan Smith and Richards would be graduating this spring. He said it was hard to see them go and it was a great group of seniors.
Richards said he is sad to leave the team, but excited for the future. He added all three seniors plan to attend the University of Nevada Reno and he hopes they remain close during college.
Evans also wanted to thank the Fallon Golf Course for their help and support. He said their support made all the difference in the team’s success this season.