Libby sixth grader Ryggs Johnston continues to build an impressive golf resume while Ryan Porch and his soon-to-be Glacier High teammates gave a possible preview of a dominating upcoming season.
Porch, a Glacier senior who placed second at AA state last year, shot a 3-under 69 on July 29 to take a five-stroke lead in the 15-17 division on the opening day of the state Junior Amateur Championship in Helena. Tom Mann, who will be a freshman on Glacier’s team when the season officially begins on Aug. 9, opened with a 4-under 68 for a six-stroke lead in the 13-14 division. Entering the tournament’s second day on Monday, Logan Iverson, another senior standout for Glacier, was in third place in the 15-17 division after shooting a 75. Brittain Walton, a freshman, shot a 76 and was third in the 13-14 division. Rounding out the list of six Wolfpack standouts, Kevin Talcott (79) was sixth and Cody Sherrill (82) was 10th.
The Glacier boys placed second at state last year, nine strokes behind Billings West. The Wolfpack’s best finish was a first-place tie in 2007.
Libby’s Johnston, who consistently shines in tournaments throughout the year, hit a hole-in-one on the third hole. He finished the first day leading the 10-12 division with a 1-under 71. Johnston set the tournament record for his age division last year with a 36-hole score of 144.
Whitefish’s Arthur Doorn entered the final round five strokes back and in second place in the 15-17 division. Whitefish’s Conor Rooney is third, six strokes back.