By Glen Miller/Staff Writer

If history serves the El Reno boys golf team well this would the year for the Indians to make some noise in postseason tournament play.

El Reno is 10 years removed from a Class 4A state runner-up finish to Ardmore in 1997. The Indians won their only state title in 1987 under head coach Ken Posey.

This year’s squad, led by senior Alex Weaver, will attempt to get back to the glory days when they begin 5A regionals Monday at Lawton Country Club in Regional B.

El Reno’s last team appearance at the state tournament came in 2002 under the guidance of Posey.

The 16-team field also includes Altus, Ardmore, Capitol Hill, Carl Albert, Chickasha, Deer Creek, Duncan, Guthrie, Harrah, John Marshall, Lawton MacArthur, Noble, Northwest Classen, Shawnee and Western Heights.

The Indians got their final tune-up Thursday at the Guthrie Blue Jay Bash where they placed 21st out of 34 schools during the 36-hole event.

Jenks won the tournament championship with a final score of 544. Tulsa Union followed in second place, shooting a 570. Duncan (589), Deer Creek (607), Ardmore (607) and Lawton MacArthur (628) were the 5A schools to finish higher in the standings than El Reno.

El Reno started its morning session at Aqua Canyon and had its best result by shooting a 310, which was also its lowest score on an 18-hole course this season.

R.J. Mullaney, Cameron Ross and Weaver each finished in the 70s at Aqua Canyon. Mullaney led the way with a 73, while Ross and Weaver each shot a 77. Jake Schwarz followed with an 83, and Jeremy Foreman ended at 84.

The Indians finished the day at Cimmaron National Golf Course where Weaver paced the squad with a 79. Weaver carded a 156 over 36 holes. Mullaney, who also ended at 156 on the day, shot an 83 at Cimmaron National.

Ross shot an 81 over the final 18 holes and finished with a total of 158, Schwarz was at 85 (168), and Foreman shot an 84 and closed with a total of 168.

“This was a good tournament for us to be in because it prepares you for the regional and state tournaments,” Posey said. “I was really pleased with our play, especially during the morning session at Aqua Canyon.

“That was our best round of 18 for the season and you want to be at your best at this time of year.”

Weaver will be attempting to reach the state tournament for the fourth time in his career. He was the lone qualifier for El Reno during his freshman year, advanced as a sophomore with his brother, Ross Weaver, and was one of three to reach last year as a junior.

Weaver finished fifth individually at state in 2006 where he shot a 75-69-74 (218). Mullaney and Gatz were also state qualifiers last year. Mullaney was 32nd overall with a 78-79-84 (241), and Gatz placed 59th with a 88-89-88 (263).

“If we stay focused and battle I like our chances to get to the state tournament,” Posey said. “I feel like we are ready and hopefully we can make the top six.”

“The boys have worked hard all season and have kept improving with every outing,” he added. “We’re still making some mistakes, but overall we are hitting the ball better.”