The Columbia Falls golf team swings into action this week, opening its season with the Northwest A kickoff tourney Aug. 19 (today) at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course.

Coach Gene Marcille, in his 25th year, said he's looking to two seniors for leadership on the squad. Gabe Love leads the boys and has qualified for the state tournament all three previous years.

"He's worked hard on his game all summer long," Marcille said.

On the girls' side, senior Shay LeFebvre also hopes to qualify for the state tournament this season.

The boys' squad has 10 golfers, the girls' five, which is a pretty good turnout, Marcille noted, though he'd like to see more girls get involved in the sport.

This year the Northwest A and Southwest A conferences are combined, which will make for an interesting conference tournament, Marcille said.

The top four teams go as well as the top 30 individuals.

The Wildcats will have four golf meets under their belts before school even starts. They even host a tournament in Ronan so they can play some of the southern schools. The new conference includes Whitefish, Polson, Dillon, Stevensville, Hamilton and Butte Central.

The state tourney this year is in Sidney, which is about 550 miles from Columbia Falls, Marcille noted.