Hoge victory sparks South

Fargo South sophomore Tom Hoge grew up on the fairways and greens of Fargo Country Club, playing almost every day during the summer since he was 8 years old.

"I know the course inside and out," Hoge said. "I know where I can and can't hit the ball on every hole. This is my second home."

That knowledge was put to good use Tuesday.

Hoge carded a 1-over-par 73 to earn medalist honors at the East Region boys golf tournament.

Hoge's performance - along with strong days from teammates Jake Varriano, Erick Galt and Matt Rubis - helped lead the Bruins to their fourth consecutive East Region team title. South finished with a total of 307.

Varriano was second in the individual race with a 75, Galt was fourth at 78 and two-time East Region champion Rubis was ninth with 81.

Valley City finished second in the team standings with 323 and Fargo North was third with 327.

"It was a big advantage to play on my home course," Hoge said. "I know I can play well out here. It is just a matter of making the shots."

Hoge, who won the North Dakota Golf Association Junior Stroke Play tournament last summer, opened the day with a bogey on the par-4 No. 1.

Hoge's drive rested against a tree, forcing him to hit his second shot left-handed.

He said he was happy to head to No. 2 just 1 over.

Hoge played the rest of the front nine even par. Hoge got the stroke back he lost on hole No. 1 and was even for the round until a double bogey on No. 16. He finished the round with a birdie on No. 18.

"Tom plays with a lot of confidence on this course," Bruins coach Steve Kennedy said. "He has put a lot of effort into his game and it's nice to see him rewarded for it."

Varriano, a senior, also had a rough start.

After a bogey on 10 and a double bogey on 11, he was 3 over after just two holes.

"I was getting nervous," Varriano said. "But I started hitting some good shots."

Varriano, who finished 13th at last year's state meet, finished the round with three birdies.

The Bruins' will play in next week's North Dakota Class A state meet at Fargo Country Club.

South has won five of the past six state team titles.

The streak includes a win at Fargo Country Club in 2000.

"We're going to have to play well both days," Kennedy said.

Despite their strong play Tuesday, Hoge and Varriano said that teammate Rubis could be the one to beat at state.

Rubis' 81 was more than six strokes over his season average.

"I think he will practice hard all week to try and get ready," Hoge said.

For meet results, see Scoreboard on Page D2.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Heath Hotzler at (701) 241-5562