By Mike Zummo
Newburgh Free Academy’s Yan brothers are returning to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association championship meet.
Sophomore Josh Yan won his second straight Section 9 championship when he finished with a 36-hole score of 140, shooting a 70 on Thursday at McCann Memorial Golf Course in Poughkeepsie.
His older brother, Mark Yan, finished sixth with a 36-hole score of 157, after shooting a 78 on Day 2 of the tournament.
Josh Yan finished the May 21 first round leading the field with an 18-hole score of 70 at Wiltwyck Golf Course in Kingston. Mark was eight strokes behind with a 79, putting him just inside the state cut.
They will advance to the NYSPHSAA championship meet at Mark Twain Golf Course on Sunday and Monday at Mark Twain Golf Course in Elmira. Josh Yan finished tied for 24th with a 36-hole score of 158 at last year’s state meet and Mark was tied for 58th with a 167.
This year will be the last time Newburgh’s golfing standouts will attend the state meet together as Mark Yan will graduate in June.