Prospect Ridge’s Arbuckle paces locals

Holy Family’s Grace also places within top 30

Prospect Ridge Academy’s Jason Arbuckle knocked three shots off his opening round scorecard at the Class 3A state tournament’s final day of play, giving the Miners junior a significant improvement on overall finish than his 61stplace standing a year ago.

Arbuckle’s 77 at Dos Rios on Tuesday included 11 pars and a birdie on the 18th hole, giving him a tworound total of 157 to place 21st overall in 2020.

Jackson Grace of Holy Family also shot 77 on Day 2 in Gunnison, which was five strokes better than his Monday round. An early birdie gave him confidence, and a 39 coming in helped Grace forge a 28th-place standing in his prep finale.

“I’m disappointed, but I’m also thankful because it’s not common that you get to have learning experiences like this especially with my goals for my future,” Grace said.

“And now going into the rest period and healing phase with my back, coming off of this tournament, I’ve learned so much. I’m very grateful to have played for Holy Family.”

Several mid- to high- 80s rounds greeted the rest of the local field on Day 2. Jefferson Academy’s Ethan

Runyon shot 82 to finish in a tie for 42nd with, among others, Dawson School’s Tommy Noonan (89 on Tuesday) and Rudiger Heitz of Holy Family (85).

One of the tournament’s greatest highlights may have been provided by Jefferson Academy’s Jack Mclucas, who aced the par-3 13th hole, his third hole of play on Tuesday, from 177 yards out.

Aspen’s Nic Pevny won the individual title with a two-round total of 140.