OSAWATOMIE — After coming up just short two years in a row, Iola high school senior Brennan Cofield finally secured a Pioneer League title in his last attempt Thursday while competing on the links of the Osawatomie Country Club.
Hot off edging No. 1 ranked 2A Humboldt sophomore Connor Newman Monday in Chanute, Coffield added another, more significant accomplishment Thursday.
“This was my first time winning after two runner ups,” Coffield said. “I was up and down throughout the round, but I stayed in mentally and figured out a way to finish. I always play decently at this course. Maybe it’s experience. I don’t know what it is.”
Coffield shot a 33 on the opening line of the 18-hole course then wrapped up the back nine with a 39. He was six strokes ahead of his nearest competitor, Santa Fe Trail senior Cale Aunshutz, while leading the Mustangs to third place thanks to several solid performances from his teammates.
“There are still some things to clean up as we move on, but it’s really about finding the right mindset more than anything,” Coffield said.
Senior Baron Folk also had success Thursday, shooting an 88 for 17 over par and an 11th place finish. Although he just missed the top 10, Folk said he was pleased with his performance, shooting a 43 on the opening nine then a 45 on the back nine.
“I started off slow, but I found my groove,” Folk said. “I’m really trusting my numbers more than I have been and playing more golf. Our regional is pretty tough, but we’re going to go in, do the best we can and whatever happens, happens.”
Sophomore Ean De La Torre also placed in the top 20, carding a 94 for 23 over par for 17th place. He opened with a 45 on the front nine then shot a 49 on the back line.
Junior Isaiah Geisler was one stroke off from making the top 20, carding a 98 for 27 over par. He shot a 47 on the front nine then a 51 on the back. With all but one Iola golfer medaling Thursday, Coach Sellman believes his team is just getting started.
“This is just our fifth tournament. A lot of schools are seven, eight tournaments in,” Sellman said. “This was their final tournament before regionals, and we still have three left. We’re firing on all cylinders. Looking at team scores, we’re going to be pretty competitive going into regionals, but the regionals are going to be pretty stacked.”
The Mustangs return to action Tuesday in Chanute for another tournament at the Stone Creek golf course. Tee time is at 1 p.m.
“Monday in Chanute is going to be a good one, because it brings a lot of 4A and 5A SEK teams in,” Sellman said. “If we can post the same numbers there that we did today, card a 340 or 350 range, then I’m looking forward to going into regionals. Monday will tell the tale.”
