The Cougars edge Bloomingdale by a shot to take the Class 2A, Region 4 tournament and advance to state.
By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published October 26, 2004
TAMPA - The players said they could have done better. The coach agreed.
But on this day, the focus for Countryside was simply this: survive and advance.
The Cougars did just that.
With three scores under 80, Countryside claimed Monday's Class 2A, Region 4 tournament at Rogers Park with a total of 305, a stroke better than Chamberlain. The Cougars qualified for state for the second time in three years.
"All year long, we've been real strong and consistent," Countryside coach Greg Bryant said.
P.J. Kolosvary led Countryside at 4-over-par 74. Tyler Wilkins shot 75 and David Rupert 76.
"The whole team has more potential," Kolosvary said. "But I'll take it. I'm not going to complain."
Wesley Chapel's Cameron Knight earned medalist honors with 71. Jon Dubbeld of Seminole was the individual runner-up after taking a one-hole playoff over Preston Knox of Dunedin. Dubbeld is headed to state for the second straight year. He birdied No.18 to force the playoff. On that hole, he knocked an 8-iron within 7 feet.
When asked if there was any doubt he'd make the birdie putt, Dubbeld replied, "Nope."
Countryside might not have been perfect, but the Cougars were consistent. Fourth man Dustin Taylor shot 80, which completed the scoring.
"When you've got that evenness, that's what brings it home," Bryant said.
2A-5: Spartans fall short
BRADENTON - It was no small feat for the Lakewood golf team to make it to the regional championship, but moving on to the next level proved to be too big of a task.
"It's one thing to make it this far, but it's a totally other thing to move on once you get here," Lakewood coach Jeff Schellhouse said.
Lakewood reached the Class 2A, Region 5 championships with a strong effort at Mission Hills Golf Club in Sarasota on Oct.18, and was the only team from Pinellas County to qualify.
But the Spartans struggled at Bradenton's Stoneybrook Golf Club on Monday. The wind was kicking up all over the course and Lakewood finished last in the eight-team field.
"We were the best in St. Petersburg, at least in our district, but we just didn't play well as a team," Lakewood's Keith Jamison said after shooting 80, best on the team.
St. Petersburg qualified two individuals for the regionals, and Kyle Menke shot 78, second best among individuals whose teams didn't qualify. Teammate Tim Stripling shot 86.
Bradenton Lakewood Ranch (293) and Sarasota (300) qualified for next week's state championships. David Lindberg of Sarasota and Byron White of Lakewood Ranch each shot 68 to earn state berths; White won a playoff to win medalist honors.
