Darin Whiteman competes at state golf

Raider Darin Whiteman traveled to Richland, Washington, last week to compete in the 1B/2B boys' state tournament.

"Darin battled hard under perhaps the toughest conditions imaginable for a state tournament," his coach, Steve Files, said. At Horn Rapids Golf Course, the competitors faced temperatures in the 90s and winds of 15-20 miles an hour.

"It ended up being a grueling seven-hour endurance test," Files said. "Darin got into trouble on two or three holes with a couple wayward shots, but otherwise played well, even hitting his tee shot on the long par-three sixth hole to four feet and making birdie."

Whiteman finished the course, after sunset due to a 45-minute delay, with a score of 94, seven strokes shy of the 87 cutoff to qualify for the next round.

"Darin displayed some tremendous shot-making ability and power at times during the round and clearly has the talent and desire to be even more competitive next year," Files added.