State Standouts: Tornow Breaks 22-Year Drought as Bulldog Golf Shines on the Biggest Stage
TUMWATER, WA — The future of Ellensburg High School golf arrived in a big way this week at the WIAA 2A State Championships. Freshman phenom Axel Tornow delivered a performance for the history books at Tumwater Valley Golf Club, while Delaney Campbell represented the Lady Bulldogs with a top-tier finish at Riverside, signaling a new era of dominance for the EHS program.
Axel Tornow: A Masterclass in Grit and Putting
Entering the state tournament as a freshman is daunting enough, but Tornow treated the two-day event like a veteran. Facing a grueling, mentally draining course, Tornow became the first EHS male golfer to make the Day 2 cut in over 20 years.
- Day 1 (The Scramble): Despite hitting only four greens in regulation, Tornow refused to break. He salvaged a 79 (+7) by parring his final three holes, showing the “grit” that Coach Harris praised throughout the season.
- Day 2 (The Masterclass): With the pressure on, Tornow’s putter became a magic wand. “It was one of the best putting performances I have ever witnessed in person,” said Coach Harris. Automatic from 8 feet and in, Tornow nearly capped the day with a 30-yard eagle chip, settling for a tap-in birdie to shoot a 76 (+4).
Tornow finished tied for 17th place overall with a cumulative score of 155. He is the first Bulldog to place in the top 20 since Adam Alldredge accomplished the feat 22 years ago—making it a full-circle moment as Alldredge now serves as the EHS assistant coach.
Delaney Campbell: Elite Finish at Riverside
Just down interstate 5 at Riverside Golf Course in Chehalis, Delaney Campbell proved she belongs among Washington’s best. Campbell navigated the difficult 2A girls’ field with a score of 111, a performance that secured her a spot in the Top 60 of all 2A golfers in the state. Her consistency and poise in a high-pressure postseason environment highlight the growing strength of the girls’ program.
WIAA 2A State Championship Summary
| Golfer | Course | Result | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axel Tornow | Tumwater Valley | 17th Place (155 over 2 days) | First EHS Top 20 finish in 22 years |
| Delaney Campbell | Riverside | 111 | Top 60 in Washington State (2A) |
| Brody Johnson | Tumwater Valley | State Qualifier | Exceptional poise as a freshman |
Coach’s Corner: A Program Reborn
The Bulldogs’ success at state is the cherry on top of an incredible season that included a 2nd place CWAC league finishand a 3rd place district finish.
“Axel is a true competitor. He fought all day… to only hit 4 greens [on Day 1] but still find a way to shoot a sub-80 round just shows how talented and tough this young freshman is.” — Coach Harris
The Future is Bright
With freshman standouts like Tornow and Brody Johnson—who also showcased impressive poise during his state tournament debut—the Bulldogs have laid a foundation that will be felt for years. Between the record-breaking performances and the depth shown by both the boys and girls squads, Ellensburg has officially put the 2A golf world on notice.
