The Jena High School Golf Team won the inaugural Cenla Red River Cup Invitational held April 6 at the LaSalle Golf & Country Club in Trout.
It was the first large, regional high school golf tournament ever held in LaSalle Parish and the Jena team demonstrated their knowledge of the course and skills with their clubs to finish as the first place team.
JHS Golf Coach and event organizer/tournament director Brian Bond noted the Jena team won the event by shooting a score of 181, ten shots lower than the second place Pineville High School team.
“It was a great event and a great day for golf,” Bond said. “We are thankful to everyone who had a part in making this inaugural event so successful, especially our event sponsor, Southern Heritage Bank.”
Southern Heritage Bank President Randy Ponthie was at the opening ceremonies prior to tee-off and noted his love for the game of golf, the friendships that are made from golf and the importance of being competitive that helps to translate to success in other areas of life.
Along with 33 high school golfers from across the region competing, some 50 other spectators including coaches and family, watched as the golfers battled 8-12 MPH winds on a beautiful, sunny and cool, 75 degree day.
“We also want to thank the LaSalle Golf & Country Club for hosting this event and the many volunteers who were there to help make it a success,” Bond continued. “Course Marshals and LGCC members included Dr. Robert Kendrick, Dewey Sanson, Jamie Parker, Justin Spector and Jesse Hailey. Course Superintendent Ray Hagan and Gordon Paul had the course in outstanding condition – a grade A.”
The JHS team, comprised of Sam Achord, Zane Deason, Cooper Evans, Tucker Jackson and Asher McLaurin, were presented the championship trophy at the end of the day by SHB’s Dillan McDowell.
The Cenla Red River Cup Invitational was played with the Ryder Cup format, which saw the teams divided up into pairs. The first nine holes the best score of the two golfers was used and the second nine holes saw the pair take alternating shots.
As the players finished their rounds, Subway sandwiches were provided, along with chips, water, Gatorade and cookies with green icing. The green icing, sandwiches, golf ball plates and napkins, were intentional as this high school tournament was held the same week at The Masters – known for its green jacket, great sandwiches and sweet treats.
TOURNAMENT RESULTS:
Unattached Division (players from two different schools playing together) First Place and Lowest Score of the Day of all Participants:
Morgan Goudeau (Tioga) and Sawyer Brown (Menard), Score of 80
Third Place: Cooper Evans (Jena) and Grant Dauzat (Avoyelles Charter), Score of 93
Attached Division First Place: Jena High School, Score of 181
Second Place: Pineville High School, Score of 191
Third Place: Grant High School, Score of 199
Fourth Place: Delta Charter High School, Score of 212
Fifth Place: Buckeye High School, Score of 216
Sixth Place: Harrisonburg High School, Score of 226
