GORHAM — The Thornton Academy golf team had an impressive showing at the Southwestern Maine Activities Association’s state qualifier on Monday at Gorham Country Club.
The Trojans came in first place with a team score of 322, which was eight points better than second-place Falmouth.
Sophomore Armand Ouellette would go on to shoot a 73 which was good for second in the individual tournament, while Jan Berger shot a 79 and also qualified for the state individual tournament.
TA coach Jeff Camire was proud of his team’s performance, including Ouellette, who narrowly missed qualifying in 2016.
“Armand was as consistent as he has been all year, he’s pretty comfortable out there. It was nice to see him get it because he missed it by a shot last year as a freshman and he was pretty driven by that this year,” said Camire.
Camire was also happy with Berger, who qualified despite some unfamiliarity with the course.
“This was only his second time seeing the course, but he was swinging well. He’s very talented, he made good decisions off the tee and he scored what he needed to,” said Camire.
The Trojans now look to the state tournament, and Camire believes his team is ready to compete for the title.
“This has been their goal all year. We have a lot of experience, I don’ think the stage will be too big since they all have been there,” said Camire. “It’s just a matter of executing on that one day. They’re ready, they’re excited, they just really enjoy this competition. They like to compete and they’ve done a nice job all year.”
TA’s Jake Laplume finished missed qualifying by one stroke with an 83, along with Biddeford’s Carter Burnell.
Massabesic’s Ryan Townsend finished with an 86 along with Biddeford’s Colby Plante. TA’s Matt Merrill and Jack Baker each shot 87, while Biddeford’s Logan Magnant finished at 88, and Massabesic’s Ethan Laverriere 89.
Kennebunk’s Owen Manahan and TA’s Eric Boucher shot 91.
Biddeford placed tenth in the team tournament with a 353, while Massabesic placed 13th and Kennebunk 15.
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