Grapeland Golfers Rounding Into Form for Another Run at State Titles
By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter
GRAPELAND – It’s no secret the Grapeland High School Golf program is the envy of the Houston and Anderson County golfing community.
Last year, the boys’ team won the UIL Class 2A State Championship as a team and Rick Frauenberger captured the gold medal as the low scoring individual. The Sandies only lost one golfer to graduation last year – Riley Chipman – and look to be the odds-on favorite to capture a second consecutive state golf championship.
The girls’ team finished sixth at the state competition and also only lost one player – Jenna Lawrence – to graduation.
That was just last year. In the 2015-2016 season the boys finished second in the team competition and the girl’s finished ninth. Since the start of the decade, every time the UIL has hosted a state golf tournament at the Class 1A or Class 2A level, the Sandies and Sandiettes have been well represented.
And this year – barring any unforeseen events – it appears as if the Grapeland Golf teams will make their tee times at the Roy Kizer Golf Course – site of the 2017-2018 UIL Class 2A State Golf Championships.
Earlier this week at the Quitman Invitational, held at the Oakhurst Golf Club, the Sandies finished in first place as a team. In addition, the top three golfers all sported the maroon and white of GHS.
Brayden Cheatham and Rick Frauenberger both shot a 72 to tie for first place. Cheatham was awarded the individual championship after a scorecard playoff. Their teammate Case Boyd was nipping at their heels as he shot a 76 to finish third. Jason Bobbitt carded an 83 and Dylan Duhon shot a 90.
So far this year, in seven tournaments, the boys have finished outside the top two only once. That one time was a 15th place finish at the Montgomery HS Invitational which had a field of 25 6A-5A schools, Grapeland Golf Coach Cannon Earp reported.
The girls are having a strong season, as well. Last week, the girls won the Spring Creek Country Club Tournament hosted by GHS.
Cheney Boyd took top honors as she shot an 86. Other golfers were Hannah Chipman with a 94, Mary Jane Watson with a 95 and Madelyn Conner with a 97. Carly Parker, Amy Crook, and Gracie Conner also competed in the tournament. .
“This week,” Earp added, “they placed second at the Quitman Invitational, finishing 10 strokes behind Brook Hill. Hannah Chipman finished second with a score of 88.”
Both teams will compete at the 20AA District Tournament at Spring Creek Country Club in Crockett on Monday.
Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].
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