Grahm Schmaltz hopes to keep the young tradition going.

The Glacier boys have had the medalist at the Class AA state golf tournament the previous two years, and Schmaltz is one of the leading contenders for this year's honor when play begins Monday, weather pemitting, 10 a.m. at Yellowstone Country Club in Billings. The final 18 is scheduled for Tuesday, 10 a.m. at Lake Hills Golf Course.

Schmaltz has been one of the state's best, and most consistent performers on the links this year. His scoring average in tournament plays is a sizzling 69.5, which is second to Jake Hedge of Billings West, 69.2.

Those are the lone two golfers in AA who are under 70.

Schmaltz finished in a four-way tied for 10th place at state a year ago as a junior. Hedge was third, 10 shots better than Schmaltz.

Schmaltz played both state courses earlier this summer while competing in the Big Sky State Games. Yellowstone is the longer of the two, which may be more suited to his game. Schmaltz is averaging 320-yards off the tee.

Glacier, in its third year of competition, was led by Larry Iverson the past two season. He won medalist honors twice.

The Wolfpack boys shared a state championship with Billings West in 2007, but finished second to West last year by three shots.

West, led by Hedge, and Glacier will most likely battle it out again this year.

Freshman Logan Iverson has been a top five performer in tournament action, giving the Wolfpack a much-needed boost in the depth department. Justin Newton has been a steady, improving player for Glacier.

In girls play, C.M. Russell is a heavy favorite to defend its title.

The Rustlers are led by Katie and Cayley Fish and Rachel Solomon.

Glacier finished fifth at state last year and would like to improve on that showing. Karli Aurich and Elsie Satterfield have been top 10 finishers in tournament play to date.

Flathead hopes to use state play to build for the future.

Coach Kim Elliott's boys are led by sophomore Michael Lavin, 81.6, freshman Max Applegate and Karl Ingram, 85.3.

"It's been a building year, we're young," Elliott said.

"We've struggled in terms of our scores with our 3-5 golfers. That's where it hurts us. It hasn't been consistent.

"This (state) will be a valuable experience for them, for us next year.

"State golf is here in Kalispell."

Calli Toth, a senior, has been the lead golfer for the Bravettes. Andrea Battello is next.

"She's shooting some good rounds lately, her scores are coming down," Elliott said of Toth.

"It's fun to see the excitement come back into her game. She's excited about her game, again."

Jourdan McFarland, a sophomore, is out for the first time, while Megan Floyd and Jaycee Rocha are both freshman.

"The last two weeks, the girls are playing their best golf," Elliott said.