Finish is highest in OTC program history

Adysen Tysdal placed fourth at the Class A state golf tournament on in Becker last week. Her finish was the highest individual finish for the Otter Tail Central girls golf team in program history.

The Otter Tail Central golf team had two golfers compete in Class A state golf tournament with senior Adysen Tysdal placing in fourth, which was the highest OTC finish.

Adysen Tysdal and Sophie Hill are pictured with their coaches Mike Hepola and Jerame Tysdal.

Head coach Mike Hepola said the coaches are very proud of the two young ladies. He said Tysdal and eighth grader Sophie Hillman that represented OTC golf and the schools/communities at the state golf tournament.  

First off, both were named to the Class A All-State team at the banquet on Monday night and then they both competed in two rounds from June 14-15 at Pebble Creek Golf Course in Becker, Minn. A total of 85 girls from across the state competed at the state meet.  

On the first day, Tysdal found herself in 10th place after shooting an 89 and Hillman was in 53rd place with a 105. Both of these scores are much higher than these girls normally shoot and Hepola said he knows many people who are involved in golf will potentially have reactions to the scores. However, he wanted to defend all the players down there, not just the two OTC golfers as Tuesday, they played a six plus hour round in heat that reached over 100 degrees in heat index and high winds and Wednesday had a variety of weather with some rain and wind.  

On the second day, Tysdal  played better in tough conditions and finished with an 85 for a two-day total of 174. She was in 10th place when she finished, but the coaches knew many people ahead of her had quite a few holes to complete. Sure enough, she ended up in a tie for fourth place overall, just 9 strokes out of first place and OTC’s highest individual finish.  

Hillman continued to battle in her first state tournament appearance and shot a second round 102 to finish in 52nd place, which again is much higher score than her regular season, but Hepola said he was very proud of her in her first state appearance.  

Hepola wanted to thank both families for their support of the girls and the coaches.  

A very successful season for all OTC golfers and looking forward to next season with those returning.  

Hepola said a special thank you to the OTC seniors Adysen Tysdal and Madi Ness and wish them nothing but the best with their future plans. Hepola also thanked his assistant coach Jerame Tysdal and all his hard work and dedication throughout the season and post-season. Congrats Tysdal  and Hillman and great job representing our program and communities.