The Shadow
BUENA VISTA — James River added another Pioneer District golf plaque to their large collection Monday.
Led by the one-two tandem of Aaron Atkins and Sean Kessler, the Knights won their their third straight district tournament crown and their 11th over the last 12 years with a 15-shot victory over runner-up Bath County on a windy day at Vista Links.
Atkins, playing out of River’s No. 2 position, won individual honors by shooting a 5-over-par 77, edging Kessler by one shot.
Just three strokes back were Charger Caleb Fry and Parry McCluer’s Kennon Burnett.
Bath County’s Clay Robertson also won all-district honors by shooting an 83, good enough for fifth place.
Noah Burns added an 85 for the Chargers, while Josh Chestnut’s 97 was the fourth counting score.
“It’s very difficult to play golf and it’s even more difficult for four high school players to golf well at the same time,” said BCHS coach Terry Bradley. “Caleb played very well and I am happy for Caleb and Clay for earning all-district honors. Noah Burns played well also.”
Seth Fertig was low man for Covington with a 91, followed by Noah Fertig (101), Caleb Haynes (114) and Ethan Hinton (114).
“Seth had a nice back nine,” said Cougar coach Rob Bennett. “I was a little disappointed in our scores, I think we could have done a little better. We need to right the ship for next week.”
The four district teams now go their separate ways for conference tournament play.
James River plays in the Group 2A, River Run Conf-erence 38 event Thursday at Forest Park Country Club in Martinsville, Parry McCluer is in the Group 1A, Conference 44 tournament at The Manor Golf Club in Farmville on Monday, while both Covington and Bath County will tee it up in the Western Gate Conference 45 tournament on Monday at The Homestead’s Old Course.
“If we can tighten up some shots here and there, I think we have a legitimate shot against Radford Monday,” said Bradley about the conference event. “We are playing at our home course so we have no excuses.”
