Blairsville – The Swain Golf team traveled to Blairsville, GA on Thursday April 19th for the first round of the Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament. Through whipping winds and cold conditions the Maroon Devils finished the day in fourth place with a team total of 406. Hayesville jumped out in front with an impressive 364, second Blue Ridge 403, and third Highlands with a 405. Leading the Devils in his first conference tournament was Junior Nick Dole with a 96. Senior Holden Petty fired a 97. Also competing in their first conference tournaments were Sophomore Isaac Baker 105, Freshman Ashton Buchanan 108, and TJ Shuler 115.
“I explained to the team,” stated Coach Crisp, “now we can just go out and play, relax, and have fun.” The second round of conference was much better for scoring even in the pouring rain and wind. It was held at Chatuge Shores in Hayesville on Monday April 23rd. The team remained positive despite the elements and conditions that they were playing in. Taking solo second in the conference with a team total of 800, the team individual scores were led by Holden with a 96, Nick 98, Isaac 102, Ashton and both TJ finished with a 100. Receiving honorable mention for the two day tournaments were Holden Petty and Nick Dole. Hayesville finished first with a 717, Cherokee third (802), Murphy (813), and Highlands fifth (818). “I couldn’t be more proud of a team that I have coached. They stepped up to the challenge of poor weather conditions and lack of experience and improved their individual scores to take second place,” said Coach Crisp. “The exhibited what it means to be Maroon Strong.” The team will travel to Boone and Linville Golf Club for the Regional Round on May 1st.