CHS golfer is Big 8 medalist

The Cassville Wildcat golf team competed in the Big 8 Conference meet this past week at Loma Linda North Golf Club. Cassville came out third overall, falling just 10 strokes behind first place finisher Carl Junction.

The Wildcats'Äô Taylor Vanzandt took first overall in the competition, becoming Cassville'Äôs first Big 8 individual champion since the 2002 season.

'ÄúTaylor played his best round of the year,'Äù said Coach Lance Parnell.

Vanzandt, a sophomore, says he is not intimidated despite being the champion at such a young age. He credits his father for getting him into golf. Vanzandt started competitive play at 7 years of age. 'ÄúTaylor is a very good player and picked a great time to step up and play well,'Äù said Coach Parnell. Vanzandt shot a 6-over-par 77 on what was a tough day for golf - cool and rainy.

Cassville'Äôs Ryan Stockton took second in the event with a score of 80. The junior tied for second with two other players.

Both Vanzandt and Stockton earned All-Big 8 Conference honors for their performances.

Other Wildcat golfers who competed were: Laith Hayward, who shot an 89, Kyle Mills, who shot a 90, and Jake Rader who shot a 96.

'ÄúI am very proud of the way we played,'Äù said Parnell. 'ÄúWe knew going in that CJ (Carl Junction) and Monett were both very good. The kids played well and gave us a chance at the conference championship.'Äù

Cassville will compete next at the district meet in Carthage on Thursday.