ATHENS' COOPER PUNCHES TICKET TO STATES; SAXON FINISHES 7TH

By: Tim Birney  /  October 1, 2022

WILLIAMSPORT — Athens junior Evan Cooper entered Day 2 of the District 4, Class AAA golf championships in good position to punch his ticket to the PIAA Championships.

With the top two place-fishers qualifying for States, Cooper was in second place after an opening round of 82 on Thursday — seven shots behind the leader, Sam Wetmiller of Selinsgrove, but four shots ahead of a trio of golfers, and five shots ahead of his teammate, sophomore Shane Saxon.

Cooper just needed another solid round, but he one-upped his opening-round performance with the best round of the day in the Class AAA field, firing a 7-over par 78 on the 6,156-yard, par-71 Williamsport Country Club Course to lock down his spot at States.

“I couldn't be more happy for Evan and going to States,” said Athens coach Lenny Pientka. “He certainly has put the work in the entire year.

“I checked his average for the NTL from last year to this year.  He has lowered his average by 11 strokes,” he noted. That is amazing to drop that many shots in one year.

“We talked about what he would need to shoot the second day. We figured if he could duplicate the 82 he had a good chance,” added Pientka. “He took care of business and made certain with a solid 78.”

Cooper’s two-day total of 160 was six shots behind Wetmiller, who shot a 79 Saturday for a two-day total of 154.

Saxon carded a 94 to finish seven with a two-day total of 181.

“Dylan played great the first day, but didn't shoot the score he expected,” said Pientka.

Dylan is only a sophomore with tremendous ability and has a pretty golf swing,” he added. “Im happy he got the experience at this level, it will be a huge asset for next year.”

The PIAA Championships are Oct. 17-18 at the Penn State Golf Course at State College.