VASSALBORO — The Mt. Ararat High School golf team did not have to win to Tuesday’s Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference qualifier at Natanis Golf Course.
However, on a day featured cold temperatures and wet conditions, the Eagles again four their game, capturing the win with a team total of 318.
Having already qualified for Saturday’s State Class A team competition (Natanis, Saturday, 10 a.m.), Mt. Ararat golfers were playing for a spot in the individual championship on Oct. 13.
Five of the six Eagles that teed it up made it through, including Caleb Manuel, who fired an even par 72 to finish second to Camden Hills’ Cole Anderson, who shot a 69. Joining Manuel on Oct. 13 will be Cade Charron (78), Willy Kavanaugh (84), Ben Hickson (84) and Ty Henke (88). Eli Schoenberg finished with a 91, just missing out on joining his teammates.
“I have never seen five members of a team make it to the individual championship,” said Mt. Ararat coach Gerry Caron, who was named the KVAC South Coach of the Year for third straight campaign. “They are able to feed off of each other. Caleb and Cade help out the younger guys, and they have taken it all in. None of them are afraid to try something new.”
Caron was again amazed with Manuel’s consistency on the tough weather day for competitors.
“He doesn’t lose his focus,” Caron said. “Caleb is the total package. A solid short game, a long game. And, he gives to his teammates, never afraid to speak up and help out when needed.”
Joining Mt. Ararat in the team competition on Saturday are KVAC members Camden Hills (322), Edward Little (340), Lewiston (349) and Messalonskee (355).
In KVAC Class B, Gardiner won the team competition with a 342. Waterville (371), Erskine Academy (382) and Maine Central Institute (388) will join shootout winner Medomak Valley in Saturday’s State Class B championship.
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