Air Academy brothers to compete at 5A state golf

September 29, 2007 - 4:56 PM
THE GAZETTE

Kory Harrell’s fourth state golf tournament will be special even if he doesn’t challenge for individual honors. That’s because his brother, Cameron, will also compete.

The Air Academy teammates — Kory is a senior, Cameron a freshman — are among 84 players qualified for the Class 5A tournament at Collindale Golf Course in Fort Collins. Cheyenne Mountain and Falcon qualified as teams for the 4A tournament, which will be played at Broadlands Golf Course in Broomfield.

The 36-hole tourneys will be held Monday and Tuesday.

“It’s real exciting,” said Kory, who qualified for three state tourneys as an individual and once with Kadets teammates. “What I wanted all year was for Cameron to be there at my final state. It’s really cool he made it.”

They’ll be the first brothers from this area to play in the same state golf tournament since 1985 when Cheyenne Mountain’s Pete and Joe Jacobs qualified. Kory Harrell could emerge as champion, said Air Academy coach Wayne Marshall.

“This course is good for him,” Marshall said. “It’s long and he’s a long hitter. I don’t think he’s played his best yet. He’s capable of going in the 60s both days.”

“The course is scoreable,” said Kory, who won Monday’s Cougar Classic with a 68 and clinched the Metro League title. “I hit the ball the worst I have in three, four months on Monday but putted out of my mind. If I get my swing back, I’ll feel real good about my chances.”

Cameron, who is mostly recovered from a hairline fracture in his right wrist, has a good short game.

“He’s so mature on the golf course even though he’s just 14,” Marshall said.

Cameron is impressed with his brother’s mental approach.

“He stays focused,” Cameron said. “When he’s playing bad, he keeps his emotions under control and finds a way to score.”

Cheyenne Mountain’s quartet consists of Ryan Choi, Sam Stemple, Max Soloman and Evan O’Neal. Earning Falcon’s first state berth were Tyler Aynes, Kent Smith and John Kienast.

“If we can put that effort up for two days, we could be in the top five,” said Cheyenne Mountain coach Bill Paulson.