Wilhelm Secures Spot At State Golf Tournament

Ryan Wilhelm saved his best golf of the year for the moment he needed it most. 

The sophomore, who has consistently been among the best golfers all year for Clearwater-Orchard, locked up his first berth at the state golf tournament on Tuesday after taking eighth at the D-3 District Meet in Atkinson.

After posting an impressive 40 through the first nine holes, Wilhelm held on with a 46 on the back nine to finish with an 86 on the day. 

He was nearly joined by teammate Gage Clifton. The freshman took 12th on the day with a 93. Blake Hoke was on the edge of the top 10 after the first nine but struggled through the back half of the day to finish 16th with a 97. 

Travis Rudloff finished 41st in the field with a 123. Clay Thiele took 45th with a 127. As a team, the Cyclones took fourth with a score of 399.

Wilhelm will take to the course at the Class D state meet beginning Tuesday. The meet will be held at North Platte's Lake Maloney Golf Course. Tee times will be announced within the next couple of days.