As is the case with most area high school golf teams, large numbers are participating this year as compared to the last two Covid-stifled seasons.

Such is the case at Thompson Falls where a much larger group of student golfers has turned out this year than last, giving reason for optimism as the new season gets underway.

The 2021 Blue Hawks golf team did not have enough boys or girls for either group to participate as a team. Despite that, Thompson Falls did have some solid golfers who have now graduated and moved on.

In fact, for the first time in two seasons, the boys team had enough golfers to take part in the team title chase at the recent Hamilton Invitational.

In Hamilton, the boys finished fifth among Class B schools, led by returnee Cael Thilmony’s 101 score. Three other boys also marked in the tournament, with Nick Tessier carding a 119, Colton Wormwood recording a 126 and Lucas Aliday coming in with a score of 141.

Thilmony is the top returning boys team member. The boys team lost seniors Kade Pardee and Tristan Subatch, both of whom graduated last Spring.

The girls team fared only slightly better last year, topped by the state third place finish of now graduated Megan Baxter.

And while Thilmony made it to Divisionals last year, he was the highest placing boys golfer on the thin team.

Thilmony’s showing last year and the ninth place 2021 finish of junior Ellie Baxter gives the Blue Hawks two solid leaders as they head into the 2021-22 season.

“While the girls did not have enough players to make a team last year, both Megan and Ellie Baxter made it to state as individuals,” coach Doree Thilmony said. “And although the boys team did not make it to state, Pardee qualified as an individual’>

The return of Ellie Baxter, who was also an all-state caliber basketball player this past season, gives Thilmony reason for optimism this year.

“Ellie Baxter will sharpen her game and look to make a trip back to the state tournament”, she said. “She is working hard to climb the leader ladder”.

The boys, with greater number out this year, may fare even better.

“The boy’s team will look to build off of returners, including Thilmony, Wormwood and Aliday, while growing with some new golfers like Nick Tessier, Gentry Beach and Jakob Molina”.

Thilmony said she wants the young golfers to be committed and respectful of the game of golf as they progress.

“They should be committed to setting and reaching their goals, have integrity when it comes to the play of the game and work on perseverance to battle through and rebound to the next opportunity,” Thilmony said of what she hopes to help develop with the young players. “Respect yourself, your opponent and the course and committee providing your privilege to learn and enjoy this great game we call golf.”