VHS golfers open season at ‘earlybird’ invitational

With a short pre-season practice time, and facing a group of serious contenders for state honors, the VHS boys' golf team entered the West Central Invitational at Central Valley Golf Course in Hartford on Monday, Aug. 14.

The 18-hole tournament involved nearly 180 high school golfers on 17 varsity and JV teams from diverse locations in South Dakota.

Final top 10 team standings were: 1. Harrisburg (321), 2.Madison (324), 3. Chamberlain (330), 4. (tie) Aberdeen Roncalli (335), 4. (tie) Vermillion (335), 6. Canton (338), 7. West Central (353); 8. Dakota Valley (358); 9. (tie) Aberdeen Central (359); 9. (tie) Dell Rapids (359).

Scores for Vermillion individuals were: Alex Schaack – 80 (ninth), Jordan Boots – 81 (11th), Mikal Ustad – 86, Broc Gauer – 88; and Aaron Steele – 89.

The Tanager JV team won its division with a 331 score. Madison was second at 334; Milbank was third (366); Dakota Valley fourth (382); fifth – Lennox (384).

Vermillion's Gabe Steinmeyer was medalist with a 78 score. Other individual scores were: Eric Ustad – 79, Ryan Powell – 85, Cole Andre – 89, and Ryan Scheidel – 108.