Neenah High School junior Sam Galloway has been named the Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin State Player of the Year.
Galloway, who recently won the WIAA Division 1 individual state champion, was voted the top player by a committee that incorporates a player’s raw scoring average and difficulty of courses played throughout the season. The award is also determined by place finish in season events, consistency of play throughout the season and head-to-head competition. Eight players from all divisions were named to the first team.
“I am incredibly proud of Sam and all of his accomplishments,” said Neenah head coach Tony White. “He is a consistent, hard-working player who deserves the recognition he has received. Sam came into high school as an extremely talented player and just continues to improve every year through his dedication to the game.”
Galloway was the medalist in 15 of his 18 meets played this season, including victories at the WIAA sectional and state tournaments. His 18-hole stroke average was 73.38. He won the prestigious MAAC Fund tournament at Erin Hills Golf Course with a season-low 70 that was the best among 144 competitors. Galloway also won the Sheboygan North Invite at the Irish Course at Whistling Straits by shooting a 75 in the 120-player field. He was the top player among 80 competitors when he shot a 72 at Fox Hills Golf Course to win the Manitowoc Invite.
Galloway shot a 71 on each day of the state tournament and sank a four-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to become the second Neenah golfer to win an individual state title, joining Kurt Sowle in 1982. He was named the Fox Valley Association Player of the Year and was named first-team All-Conference for the third straight year. Galloway’s only previous All-State honor was an honorable mention selection as a freshman.
He was also named an Academic All-State performer with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Other first-team selections were Matt Bachmann of Sheboygan Falls, Chris Colla of Winnebago Lutheran, Ricky Kuiper of Racine Case, Thomas Longella of Chippewa Falls McDonell, Charlie Maleki of Homestead, Max Murphy of Waunakee and Harrison Ott of Milwaukee Marquette.
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