Calhoun County, AL – Calhoun County principals vote for reversal, restore county’s high school golf championship two a two-round event.
By Joe Medley
Calhoun County’s high school golf championship is a two-day event again.
The county’s principals voted Wednesday to restore the second day, three months after they voted to make it a one-day tournament.
The county championship will play out April 1-2 at Pine Hill Country Club.
Wednesday’s reversal came after Alexandria High principal Jason Deason motioned for it.
“It was brought up tonight at our meeting, and a motion was made and seconded for a vote to have a two-day golf tournament,” said White Plains principal Andy Ward. “The vote passed, and the tournament will be played April 1 and 2 at Pine Hill.
“I appreciate (Pine Hill owner) Cory Etter and his willingness to work with us on those dates, so that we can avoid proms on that Saturday.”
Concerns about prom conflicts prompted the county’s principals in August to vote for a one-day event. The tournament moved from its traditional Friday-Saturday setup to a weekday event, and the move would prevent players from missing two days of school.
After negative reaction from coaches, players and parents, principals reconsidered. Wednesday’s reversal received positive reactions. He sees the county tournament as preparation for the state tournament, also a two-day event.
“That’s the way it should be,” said Alexandria golf coach Craig Kiker, whose team rallied from behind in the second round to win this year’s county tournament. “It should be preparation for the state tournament.”
White Plains coach Chris Randall, sees a two-day event as “tradition” and the best way to crown a true champion.
“The tradition will remain the same, and there will be no doubt as to who are the best teams and individuals,” he said. “Nothing like having to sleep on a led and hold it, or the thrill of being down after the first day and coming back to win it.”
Piedmont golf coach Horace Bramblett was open to the one-day tournament but also welcomes the reversal.
“My kids are always excited to be a part of this tournament, and any day or days we are on the golf course in a tournament setting is another opportunity to improve,” he said. “So if everyone else is happy we are happy.”
