MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas.
BIG RAPIDS — The Ludington varsity boys golf team came up just short of a state finals berth Tuesday, finishing fifth at the Division 2 Region 7 tournament at Katke Golf Course in Big Rapids.
The Orioles posted a team score of 323 in the 19-team field. Grand Rapids Catholic Central won the regional title with a 308, followed by East Grand Rapids at 309, Spring Lake at 317 and Forest Hills Eastern at 318.
Ludington was led by senior Alec Rodenbeck, who shot a 75 to finish tied for sixth overall and earn a playoff opportunity for the final individual qualifying spot to the state finals. Rodenbeck’s season ended on the first playoff hole.
Finn Flanery carded a 78 to place 12th overall, while Andrew Bousson shot an 81 to finish 15th. Asher Forfinski and Channing Miller rounded out the Orioles’ scoring with rounds of 89.
Ludington coach Carlos Alvarado said the Orioles improved significantly from last season, finishing 22 strokes better at regionals than a year ago.
“It was an absolute joy to coach this team,” Alvarado said. “The work that this team continues to do is humbling as a coach. Today’s results are not indicative of the effort that these guys put in day in and day out.
“I am proud of the work ethic that this team put in all season. The guys made it really easy on me to be the head coach, matching and outpacing my energy every day from the simulator snow days in March to the heat and wind of this spring season.”
Rodenbeck, who is committed to Muskegon Community College, will continue his golf career in the fall.
“It is tough to imagine an LHS team without him as a stalwart anchor to the program,” Alvarado said. “His future in golf is bright, and I am thankful to be a part of what comes next for him. He is a truly remarkable young man.”
Despite graduating Rodenbeck, Alvarado said the Orioles are positioned well for the future with a young core returning.
“Finn, Asher and Andrew still have two years of development before they graduate,” Alvarado said. “Channing is a freshman and played his heart out for this team all season.”
Alvarado also credited assistant coach Heathman and the Orioles’ junior varsity program for helping build depth within the program.
“Our goal remains earning a place at the state finals as a team, and the program is positioned to achieve that goal next season,” he said.
Thank you to the following businesses who make reporting of local sports, like this story, possible:
MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by:
Baker Ford Ludington, 3045 W. US 10-31, Ludington, 888-856-9116, bakerfordludington.com
Fresh Coast Foam, 7440 W. 5 Mile Rd., Irons; 231-510-9513, www.freshcoastfoam.com
Mission Graphics, 113 S. Blaine St., Scottville, 231-845-7030, mymission.graphics
Quick-Way, Inc., 1004 Conrad Industrial Dr., Ludington, 231-845-6520, qkwa.net
Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, 231-757-4743, smith-eddy.com
Michelle and Andrew Thomas
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