Over the past couple of weeks, the Chilton County High School golf team has captured the attention of the Clanton community.

“The town really backed us,” Chilton County coach Ryan Price said. “Their contributions were much needed and truly heartfelt.”

The Tigers advanced state tournament with qualifiers in the boys’ team and girls’ individual competitions.

However, the magical run came to an end as the boys finished last among the final four teams in Class 6A with a total two-day score of 84-over.

Madison Sanders shot 23-over in the Girls’ Class 6A-7A individual competition and finished 15th among the field of 19 participants.

Sanders had a rough start to the state tournament with an 89 at the end of the first day, but bounced back nicely and shot a 78 in Round 2.

“I’m really going to miss these seniors,” Price said. “They helped me realize what’s important in life, which is being a part of something important to others.”

Consistency was the theme for the boys’ team as each member hovered around scores in the mid to low 80’s on both days.

“The boys knew they were up against stronger competition and did a good job of keeping their score respectable on a course with water on 16 of the 18 holes,” Price said. “It was just not low enough to scare the leaders.”

Cole Headley shot a team-low score of 80 on Day 2, after an uncharacteristic round of 88 to open the event.

Other scores included Cole Watley shooting 82 and 83, Trey Baker shooting 84 and 83, Bailey Price shooting 84 and 83 and Boyd Price shooting 81 and 85.

The program as a whole took a giant leap forward after narrowly missing out on the state tournament in 2015.

“Long term goals are hard work,” Price said. “Watching them achieve goals that they set a year ago was the best feeling for me as a coach.”

Homewood won the Boys team portion at 15-over, while Michaela Morard of Huntsville finished atop the girls’ individual segment by posting 6-under.

“This team is more like a family than any other I’ve been around,” Price said. “They rely on each other to do their best for the sake of the team. I’m so glad that we can share an experience like this for the rest of our lives.”