After placing first and second in the district and regional tournaments, the Varsity I and II golf teams have advanced to the State Tournament. The Viper Golf program will be looking to win its third straight State Championship.

Cooper Dossey has been one of the main stars for the team in postseason play, winning the individual district and regional championship. He shot 68-69 (-7) in district play and 66-68 (-10) in regional play. His (-10) in regional play is a new record for lowest individual total in school history.

While Dossey shined in the tournaments, this was not a one-man effort. Tobin Niblett shot a 64 (-8), setting a record for lowest score in Vandegrift Golf history.

The highest total score recorded by the Vipers at regionals was a 157, which is a solid score, showing the depth of the program. The depth is also shown by sending two teams to State, something that rarely happens in high school golf.

“Getting two teams to state has been a goal of ours all year,” Dossey said. “Region IV is the hardest in the state, and to get two teams out really shows how deep our team is. We’ve worked all year for it, and it’s so special to have 10 guys at state.”

In regional play, the team set four school records. The records included lowest individual round, lowest team round, lowest team total and lowest individual total. Setting records in regionals sets the team up well for State.

“To win State again, we just need to keep doing what we’ve done all year,” Dossey said. “All 10 guys are playing really good golf at the right time, so if we come together as a team and play for each other, then I know we will walk away with a three-peat!”

While Region IV is regarded as the best region in the state, the competition only increases as they move on to State.

“We need to play solid and do what we are capable of to win State,” junior Daniel Martinez said. “I like our chances going into the tournament.

The State Golf Tournament will take place on April 25-26 at Wolfdancer Golf Club. It will be difficult for the Vipers to win their third straight State Championship, but it is very possible with the depth of this team.