Kamiak’s Martin grabs first-round lead; four Knights make the cut

The defending champ is poised for a repeat, and this time Kamiak just might add an individual title to its trophy case.

After the first round of the Class 4A boys state golf tournament, Kamiak, last year’s team champion, looks like the team to beat when the final round starts today. Junior Reid Martin shot a 2-under-par 70 at Avalon Golf Club in Burlington to take the first-round lead, and is one of four Kamiak golfers that made the cut.

Woodinville was the only school with three golfers making the cut, which was set at 78, while eight other schools had two golfers qualify for second-round play.

“That’s exactly what we were hoping for,” said Kamiak coach Jeff Tobin. “Last year, we took four guys, and there were teams that had four or more players there, but come the second day, we were the only team that had four in. I felt that if we could do the same thing this year, we would be in phenomenal shape, and sure enough, here we are with four guys in. I’m thrilled that we’re giving ourselves a chance to actually defend our title. That’s pretty cool.”

Mark Strickland, a sophomore who is the only new face at state for Kamiak, is tied for eighth after shooting 75. Dylan Goodwin is tied for 14th having shot 76, and Johnny Carey shot 78 to make the cut on the number.

Snohomish, which beat Kamiak for a district title, had only one of its three golfers, Dylan Stensland, make the cut.

“Our guys have the experience of being there and being successful, and I think that’s what separated us today,” said Tobin.

Martin, who tied for seventh at state last year, will be joined in the final foursome today by fellow Wesco South golfer Ricky McDonald. The Edmonds-Woodway junior shot 71 to card the day’s only other score below par. Also in the last group, which tees off at 9:48 a.m., are Chris Olmstead of Rogers who shot 72, and Kevin Penner from Eastlake, who shot 73. Penner, a junior, is the defending state champion.

Martin, who had five birdies, a bogey and a double bogey to go with 11 pars Tuesday, hopes his and his team’s success at state last year will help them today.

“We know what to expect and hopefully know how to work around any obstacles,” he said. “I’m just going to play my game. Pretend that nothing happened [Tuesday], play my game and see how it goes.”

McDonald, who tied for 11th at state as a freshman at Shorewood, moved to southern California last year, in part, he said, for better weather. McDonald came back to Washington this year, but said he will likely head back to California again for his senior season.

Despite his desire to live in a warmer, drier climate, McDonald handled Tuesday morning’s rain better than every golfer but Martin. McDonald’s confidence is high this week coming off a district championship.

“That definitely helped me,” he said. “Coming here off a win knowing that you’re playing some good golf always is a good feeling.”

At Avalon Golf Course

First round

Local players making the cut—1. Martin (Kamiak) 70, 2. McDonald (Edmonds-Woodway) 71, Tie 8. Strickland (Kamiak) 75, Tie 14. McCardle (Oak Harbor) 76, Tie 14. Goodwin (Kamiak) 76, Tie 29. Stensland (Snohomish) 78, Tie 29. Miele (Jackson) 78, Tie 29. Carey (Kamiak) 78.

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