Wathen puts coach's advice to good use

May 16, 2011 at 9:29 a.m. | Updated May 16, 2011 at 9:29 a.m.

North Callaway junior Gary Wathen (foreground) - accompanied by Thunderbirds head coach Jason Smith (background) - will compete in the Class 2 state championships beginning Monday at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield. Wathen is a first-time qualifier.
North Callaway junior Gary Wathen (foreground) - accompanied by Thunderbirds head coach Jason Smith (background) - will compete in the Class 2 state championships beginning Monday at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield. Wathen is a first-time qualifier.

Gary Wathen was inquisitive about what was required to be a state-level golfer, and North Callaway head coach Jason Smith proved to be a credible source.

The wealth of information the North Callaway junior gleaned from Smith has been invaluable to him this season, resulting in a qualifying berth for the 70th MSHSAA boys' golf championships. Wathen - a first-time qualifier - will compete in the Class 2 state championships starting Monday morning at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.