MOUNT CLARE – The Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneers are your 2021 Big 10 Conference golf champions! The Bucs staked their claim to that title Monday afternoon at the Bel Meadow Golf Course after shooting a 255.

North Marion, who gave the Bucs their lone conference loss of the season, was seven strokes behind with a team score of 262.

Bridgeport was third with a 264 while Philip Barbour was fourth with a 270, and Fairmont Senior rounded out the top five with a 273.

“We had a goal from the start of this journey four years ago to win the Big 10 Conference title,” noted Buckhannon-Upshur head coach Jason Westfall. “It is very gratifying to invest time and effort into something and accomplish your goal. We had to earn it today and that is our style. It was never easy as we grinded and scraped for every inch to claim the championship.”

North Marion’s Dylan Runner earned low medalist honors with an 82.

Buckhannon-Upshur’s Evan Coffman took second at the conference event with an 83.

For his efforts throughout the season, Coffman was named the Big 10 Conference Golfer of the Year.

“Coffman has been the best player on this team, and in the area and the conference,” stated Westfall. “He is deserving of this honor. He is a young man that faced all his weaknesses as a player and improved on them.”

Isaac Lane shot an 85 for the Bucs to finish third overall in a tie with Bridgeport’s Connor Meese.

Landon Hitt carded an 87 to finish sixth overall and Tucker Hurst compiled a 99 for the Bucs as the top three individual scores were added for the team score.

Coffman, Lane and Hitt were named to the Big 10 All-Conference Team after their top-10 finishes.

“Our foursome played with their emotions in check to post solid scores,” remarked Westfall. “They stuck to their plan and executed. We were the favorite going in and sometimes as the coach that gives you some anxiety, but we stayed the course. They stayed in the ‘one-shot’ mantra and it kept us grounded when others around them were coming apart.”

Westfall was named the Big 10 Conference Coach of the Year.

“This award has everything to do with the team,” concluded Westfall. “It is a reflection of them, their hard work, character and their competitive nature. I’m grateful to be along for the ride.”

The Bucs will return to match play Wednesday, Sept. 22, in the Route 33 Cup with Lewis County and Elkins at Stonewall and will play in the Region I Tournament next Monday.

Tucker Hurst – 99