By Dale Cory
It’s been a long time — 17 years as a matter of fact — for the Broncs.
Nearly two decades had passed since Ponoka Composite High School last laid claim to a provincial golf title.
Well, the local golfing community can finally celebrate.
PCHS won its first Alberta golf championship since the early 1990s when the senior boys team took the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association championship Sept. 28 at the Olds Golf Club.
Considering they were 3A/4A team bronze medalists one year ago, PCHS golf coach Ron Labrie had high expectations heading into the tournament.
After a good first day at the Carstairs Golf Club and a strong finish at the Olds Golf Club, Ponoka won gold by an amazing 12 strokes over Morinville.
All PCHS golfers finished in the top 20 province wide in individual scoring.
James Ursulak was second overall after rounds of 73 and 77. Mikeal Skaley finished ninth with rounds of 79 and 76. Austin Jacobson finished 16th with rounds of 80 and 81 and Kolby Vold came in 18th by shooting rounds of 81 and 83.
“Ponoka Composite High School looks to be in fine shape,” says Labrie. “All our golfers are still eligible to compete next year in ASAA provincial competition.”
Not to be outdone, the PCHS Grade 9 boys travelled to Eckville to defend their 3J Wolf Creek championship banner.
And Jacobi Buffalo, Chase Staldeker, Jared Nicolls, and Davis Labrie were victorious in capturing the Wolf Creek 3J team golf banner for the 2010-2011 school year.
Labrie won a silver medal for second over-all low individual score and Nicolls won bronze for third overall individual score.
Do you remember when? This is the first team golf banner won at PCHS since 1992-93 when the girls team — Erin McMillan, Allison McMillan, Lori-ann Corkery, Karri Sutherland, Robin Lyons and Melissa Cire — were spring and fall champions.