Two Camas golfers bound for bi-districts this spring

Camas freshman golfer Owen Huntington chased four seniors for a trip to state Tuesday.

He made three birdies in the final round on the Tri-Mountain course in Ridgefield, and improved his score by four strokes, but settled for fifth place and an opportunity to play in the bi-district tournament, May 15, for a shot at state.

“Not making it to state right off the bat will definitely push me,” Huntington said. “It was good to go up against those seniors and knowing I had to play my best in order to get in. I finished really strong. Just a couple of holes, here and there, got me.”

CHS senior Connor Shira earned eighth place and will join Huntington at bi-districts.

“Coming in with that 76 (Monday) surprised me. I played pretty sharp, but I didn’t think I was that low,” Shira said. “I was really proud of myself, and it set the tone for (Tuesday).”

After finishing as an alternate to bi-districts last season, Shira was determined to get into that tournament his senior year. His next goal is to make it to state.

“My season is not over,” Shira said. “I can keep playing golf. It should be fun.”

Huntington struggled on the back nine Monday, but was still in sixth place. He turned it around in the finals, shooting an even par 36 on the front and a 1-over 37 on the back.

“I went out with no expectations, just trying to play as well as I could,” Huntington said. “Try to play your best, no matter what. Even if you just made two bogeys in a row, you got to come back with some birdies. Always know there’s more holes to play and a lot more golf to come.”

Shira enjoyed playing in the last group during the finals.

“I’ve never had that many people watch me play golf,” he said. “It was fun and it made me play better, too.”

The Camas boys golf team claimed third place in league and third place at the district tournament. Not bad for a few seniors and a bunch of freshmen.

“Looking into the future, we’re going to be really good,” Huntington said. “This was a good start.”