PILOT MOUNTAIN — East Surry junior Ben Vogler continued the school’s proud golf tradition at last week’s 1A State Golf Championship in Southern Pines, finishing in a tie for 13th while matched against 82 top young players from across the state.

Vogler was the school’s lone representative at this year’s championship as the young team continues to rebuild after claiming four consecutive state titles from 2005-2008. This year’s team did play in regional competition, but barely missed advancing to state play.

In regional play at Elkin’s Cedarbrook course, the top three finishers whose team didn’t qualify for state championship play advanced to Southern Pines as individuals. Vogler finished in a tie for third, but qualified after winning on a second playoff hole.

On the first day of two-day state tournament, Vogler posted an 82 as players struggled with nerves and windy conditions. He responded the following day with a strong 75, for a two-day total of 157.

“He performed well,” noted East Surry Golf Coach Jason Anderson, who had traveled to Southern Pines to support Vogler. “He faced some challenging conditions the first day, but his play the second day put him in contention.”

“It was an awesome experience,” Vogler added. “I battled some nerves the first day, but I was having fun the second day. Hopefully, I’ll be able to return next year and I’ll have more experience.

“It was good to be able to represent East Surry,” he continued. “It means a lot to be able to go to state.”

“It’s good for our program anytime a player is able to represent us at state,” Anderson noted. “This continues the tradition we’ve been able to establish. Ben is going to be a good anchor for us next year, with a talented young line-up behind him.”

Vogler is the son of Jonathan and Michelle Vogler of Pilot Mountain. His sister, Holly, is a senior at East Surry.