Claussen places 5th in state golf tourney

Wahkiakum Mule senior Cole Claussen placed fifth in the Washington Class 1B/2B State Golf Championships at the Tri-Cities Country Club in Kennewick last week.

Over all, the Mule team of Claussen, Cody Olsen, Andrew Weiler, Justin McClain and Brook Calvert placed sixth.

Claussen had the best back nine of his tournament life on the final day, Mule Assistant Coach Nick Vavoudis reported.

"His performance vaulted him past six players to capture fifth place and boost the Mules golf team to tie for sixth place," Vavoudis said. "Claussen's back nine score of 31 capped a final round 69 to go with his first round 74, posting a tournament total 143 for the two day event. Also scoring points for the Mules were Cody Olsen 76, 84--160 and Andrew Weiler 81, 91--172. Freshman Brook Calvert shot a first round 86, missing the second day cut by 4 strokes.

"Claussen's fifth place finish was a best ever score and finish by a Wahkiakum High School golfer at a state tournament, surpassing the previous best 10th place finish by Olsen in 2009. Both seniors are considering scholarship options to play college golf."

The four seniors, Claussen , Olsen, Weiler and McClain, were undefeated in league match play for four years. They were district champions in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and runner-up in 2010.

All four are planning to go to college," Vavoudis said. "That type of depth and balance has left quite the tradition that freshmen Brook Calvert, Peter Weiler, Bradley Peak , Brysen Coleman and sophmore Cullie Brock are hoping to continue."