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After advancing from what they both said was one of the toughest boys golf sectionals in the state, Warsaw coach Bob Turner and Tippecanoe Valley coach Roger Moriarty seem confident their teams can advance from Friday's regional at Chestnut Hills in Fort Wayne.
Just like the sectional, the top three teams will advance from the regional round of competition to the state finals. The top three individuals not on an advancing team also qualify to play in the state finals match.
Both teams have practiced on the regional course this week. Moriarty, whose Vikings are in the regional for the first time since 1993, said he thought a 318 would advance a team from Friday's regional.
"We shot a 318 in practice," Moriarty said. "If we bring that into Friday we'll be fine. The course is wet in a few places. The greens are true, you have to feel confident putting because the greens are smooth. You can't hook a ball on this course. If you don't play smart, you won't be playing next week."
Turner wouldn't say what the Tigers' practice round score was, but even through the phone you could see his delight. The Tiger mentor said a 314 might get a team out of the regional.
"We had a really good day of practice," Turner said. "We always play good on that course. I'm gonna take my five guys up there and play. My guys are as good as any team's five guys, team wise. The team that has depth will win. One or two players can't do it."
Depth may be how Warsaw won its own sectional Saturday. In an 18-hole score of 309 by the Tigers, their No. 3, 4 and 5 players shot 79, 79 and 77.
Valley advanced from the sectional with a third-place score of 316. The Vikings tied Culver Military Academy's score but lost on a fifth-man tie breaker.
Both Turner and Moriarty said the three advancing teams from the Warsaw Sectional had a good shot at playing in the state finals June 14 and 15 at Prestwick Country Club in Avon.
"Our three teams are as good as any," Turner said. "They played in one of the toughest sectionals in the state. They're tested. I definitely would like to see Valley and Warsaw get out."
Said Moriarty: "The three teams from our sectional are very capable of getting out."
Rounding out the rest of the field is Bishop Dwenger, DeKalb, Elkhart Memorial, Elkhart Central, Goshen, Fort Wayne Northrop, East Noble, Angola and Fort Wayne Concordia.
Two locals will also compete at the regional as individuals.
Wawasee freshman Stephen Conrad advanced from the Warsaw sectional after shooting a 74. Manchester's Ryan Burton shot a 76 at the Warsaw Sectional to advance to Friday's competition. All those competing individually will tee off at 8 a.m.
Valley will begin teeing off at 9:15 with Northrop and East Noble. Warsaw will begin teeing off at 10:30.
