Emmerich places 19th at state golf

Columbia Falls senior McKenna Emmerich finished her high school golf career with a solid performance at the State Class A golf tournament last Friday and Saturday at the Old Works golf course in Anaconda.

She shot a two-day total of 203 (96-107), landing her in a three-way tie for 19th place in the field of 65 golfers. Senior Morgan Love (108-113) and junior Britney Cotton (127-127) also competed on the girls’ side of the tournament.

“McKenna again showed great poise by playing at the state golf tournament while her classmates back home were choosing her as homecoming queen,” coach Gene Marcille said. “Even with that type of distraction, she did a great job on the course and, along with Morgan and Britney, really represented Columbia Falls High School well at state.”

On the boys’ side of the tournament, sophomore Henry Chisholm and freshmen Gabe Love shot 190 (98-92) and 207 (108-99) respectively. Both made strong improvements on the second day of competition as they adjusted to the tough course and the pressure of state play.

“Henry and Gabe are going to do some good things in golf in the next few years,” Marcille said. “They improved a lot over the course of this season, and I’m really excited about their chances for next year.”

Marcille called the players he coached over the last four years “a great group — great students, great ambassadors and great fun.”

“I’m really going to miss the three M’s — McKenna, Morgan and Maggie,” he said.