By Mark Blentlinger
The Schoolcraft girls’ golf team sent its first-ever player on to the Division 4 state championship at Michigan State University in mid-October. Junior Haley Earles finished with a tie for 18th place out of 120 Division 4 golfers, shooting her best scores of the season, an 88 and 86.
She earned her way forward in early-October regionals, hosted by Hackett Catholic at Milham Park Golf Course, finishing third with a 93. In all, 14 schools competed as teams and as individuals. Along with Earles, Kayla Collins of NorthPointe Christian and Sydney Barnes of South Haven went on to play at the state level. Barnes finished the highest of the three, tying for fourth. Kayla Collins placed 21st.
Haley finished her regular season with the fourth best average in the KVA among a total of 35 golfers. Coach Jason Evans said that he loves Haley’s positive attitude and her tremendous family support. Evans also said it was great to see how she responded to the pressure of regionals and state where she shot her best rounds of the season.
Haley is also on the Schoolcraft bowling team. Her father, Chad Earles, coaches the boys soccer team that won its first district championship. Her brother, Nate, is on that team.