Seaside High Golfers Win Tournament in Tough Winds

Seaside High School's boys golf team proved they can handle pressure, both on the scoreboard and from Mother Nature.

The Seagulls claimed first place at The Dalles Invitational on March 24, shooting a team score of 350 despite battling fierce winds throughout the tournament. They beat second-place Goldendale by a commanding 50 strokes, with Estacada, The Dalles, and Gladstone rounding out the competition.

Senior Xanh Quang captured the individual championship with an impressive 74. He capped off his round with a chip-in birdie on the final hole, a brutal 413-yard uphill par four played straight into the wind.

But the real story might be freshman Will Haag, who announced his arrival with an 83 that included 10 pars. Head Coach Jim Poetsch couldn't contain his excitement about the young player's potential.

"Will had a good round of golf, recording 10 pars on the day," Poetsch said in a press release. "He is going to be a really good player for us over the next four years."

The rest of the Seaside scoring came from Landon Nofield (94), Dexter Jenks (99), and Gunner Norman (100). Poetsch noted that about five other players on the roster are close to breaking through with strong scores, which could make the team even more formidable.

The Bright Side

The Dalles Invitational serves as an early-season test precisely because of its challenging conditions. Rather than looking for easy wins, the Seagulls are embracing difficult courses to sharpen their skills for the season ahead.

Coach Poetsch views the windy, demanding layout as the perfect training ground. "The Dalles is always a great test of golf and the wind really made the course difficult," he explained.

With a talented senior leader, an emerging freshman star, and a deep roster ready to step up, Seaside has built a program focused on long-term growth rather than quick victories. The team heads to Pumpkin Ridge for the Banks Invitational on April 2, carrying momentum and confidence from their dominant performance.