Tiger boys regional champs

YAKIMA -Aaron Whalen shot a 3-under 69, and his brother Andrew carded a 2-under 70 to lead Ephrata to the CWAC/GNL Regional championship. The tournament took place at the par 72 Apple Tree Golf Course in Yakima Tuesday.

Bryan Heer had an 80, Josh Johnson turned in an 83, and Tyler Janasz finished with 87 to round out the scoring for the Tigers.  

Ephrata finished with a team score of 184.5 to take top honors. Clarkston was second with 150, and Othello placed seventh with 60.5.

"The guys did great," coach Greg Hewett said. "This would be the first ever Regional Golf Championship for the Ephrata guys that I know of.  I am very proud of how each of them competed from start to finish."

The top 23 placers and one alternate move on to the state tournament at The Classic Golf Course in Spanaway May 22 and 23.

The Tigers will be represented by the Whalen's, Heer and Johnson. Janasz is the first alternate.

"Aaron had his best round of the year. Andrew also played great and really could have gone low.  His game was a roller coaster finishi with eight birdies, four bogies and a double bogie," Hewett said.  "Bryan and Josh played very solid as well.  Bryan had about a five hole stretch that his putter went south, but he turned it around finishing the last seven holes with pars.  Josh, every time you looked around, he was smiling.  He played smart and didn't put himself in real big trouble."

Janasz just missed making the top 22 that play at state. But he won a five- man playoff to make it as an alternate. 

Hewett said Brandt did a great job as well, but fell short of the cut by eight strokes.

 "I am going to miss what he brings to our group," he said.  "His strength are his smarts and his dedication.  As a team, the guys have accomplished what no other has, and that is winning league, districts and regionals. Next stop is the state tournament."