Cottingham qualifies for state golf

Posted 5/20/09 (Wed)

By Brenda L. Shelkey

The wind was blowing with 35 mile-per-hour gusts on a chilly 40 degree day during the Region Qualifier at Velva on May 15. Despite the wind and weather, Central McLean had good repre-sentation, resulting in a state qualification by eighth grader Samantha Cottingham and fifth place in the regional meet. ith only two regular meets as opposed to five or six regular meets, and two qualifying meets this spring, that is quite an accomplishment. In order to qualify, Cottingham had to be one of the top ten golfers for the regional qualifier or be within 10 points of the medalist. She took eighth place and shot a 110. The individual winner and medalist was Randi Azure of Dunseith who shot a 102. Cottingham won in two respects by placing eighth in the region with a score of 110, coming within eight points of the medal winner. She will participate in the state golf meet which will be held in Carrington on May 26 and 27. Cottingham knows that as an eighth grader, she will likely be one of the youngest golfers in the state meet. She said, "It’s exciting because golf is my favorite sport." Last year, she came within five to seven points of qualifying, so qualifying this year meant she has worked to improve her play. Her strategy is to go and stay relaxed at the state meet.