The Halls High School boys golf team brought home its second state championship in a row last week, and senior Ryan Hall won the individual state championship in a tournament that set records for public school scores in Tennessee.
The team traveled to Manchester, Tennessee, Oct. 3 and 4, to face the best teams from across the state at Willowbrook Golf Course.
Senior Ryan Hall won the state golf tournament for individual scores. He is pictured here with coach Bill Warren.
In team play, the Red Devils won by 26 shots, shooting three over par the first day and an incredible 10 under par the second day, setting a state record for public school scores. Ryan Hall set a record for individual public school scores as well, with six shots under par the first day and seven shots under par the second day.
Coach Bill Warren said the team was disappointed with its first day of play and vowed to blow everyone away with its second day.
“The kids were unbelievable the second day,” said Warren. “They were determined to show everyone that they were the best team down there.”
Four of this year’s five players were on the team that won the 2016 state championship, and all are seniors. Ryan Hall has committed to play golf at University of South Carolina next year. Jake Hall (no relation to Ryan) finished third overall for individual scores and will play golf for MTSU next year. Will Collins finished in the top 25, with scores of 77 and 72, followed by Anthony Basilio with 77 and 75. Andy Cofer was an alternate for last year’s state championship team and scored 79 the second day.
The team shot 20 under par in the District tournament and two under par in regionals.
Warren said friendship and friendly competition have given the team a winning edge.
Shelby Liford came in 12th in the state golf tournament. She is pictured with coach Bill Warren.
“It’s not because I’m a good coach. It’s because I’ve got the best players in the state,” he said. “It wasn’t necessary to coach these guys. They pushed each other. These five are best friends. They’ve grown up together, and they have a true love of the game.”
Shelby Liford represented the HHS girls golf team in individual play, finishing 12th overall with a score of 81 the first day and 71 the second day. Liford is a junior and has committed to play golf at UT.
“She made a good comeback, and I’m proud of her,” said Warren.