Conner is River Ridge District champion in golf after shooting three-under 69 at Roanoke CC

Conner, a senior, had his best round of the season for the Spartans. He finished one stroke ahead of Ross Funderburke of Hidden Valley, who shot 70.

“That was Garrison’s first tournament win in high school golf,” said coach Thad Snyder. “He’s come close a few times, and he’s tied for first, but this is the first time he’s won it by himself.”

Hidden Valley won the team title at 292, edging Blacksburg’s 294. Salem was third with a team score of 314, followed by Cave Spring at 327, Patrick Henry at 336, Pulaski County at 347 and  Christiansburg at 356.

“That’s about where we’ve been all year,” said Snyder. “We haven’t gone real low, but we haven’t been too high, either.”

Daniel Poff had Salem’s second best score with an 80. Then came Johnny Danstrom at 82 and Brian Hutton rounded out the scoring with an 83.

Salem is now off until September 28^th, when the Spartans compete in the 4A regional tournament at the Blacksburg Country Club. Only the winning team advances to the state, and the host Bruins are heavy favorites. Hidden Valley is not included, as the Titans are in Group 3A.

“We might be the second best team,” said Snyder. “I’d say we’d be right in there with Charlottsville, Jefferson Forest and LCA. It’s a shame two teams don’t go, because we’d have a good chance.”

Five individuals not on the qualifying team will also advance to the state. Salem has several golfers who could be in the mix.

“I’d say there will be about 25 golfers competing for those five spots,” said Snyder. “Certainly we have some golfers who could make it.”