Some home cooking may have been just what the doctor ordered for Iola High’s golfers.
The Mustangs put forth their best scores of the year Monday in the friendly confines of the Allen County Country Club.
Buoyed by second-place finisher Chris Holloway, the Mustang squad took second among five schools.
Holloway shot an 82 on a cool, and occasionally breezy course, followed by fellow sophomores Xander Sellman in sixth at 92 and Titus Jones at 94 in eighth.
All three received individual medals on top of their silver team medal.
A pair of Mustang freshmen, Ethan Harris (117) and Trevor Tatman (124) also took part, securing 15th and 18th, respectively.
Head coach Jeremy Sellman had high praise for his young golfers.
“Chris is starting to put things together,” Coach Sellman said. “He has had some struggles with his driver, but today he was pounding his drives that put him in some great scoring positions. I am proud of his approach to today’s meet. I know he left a few strokes out there, but he was pretty happy with his results and going forward I think he’s hitting his stride at the right time.”
The younger Sellman’s poise on the course was also evident, noted his father and coach.
“Watching Xander today I saw a kid who was working hard,” Coach Sellman said. “There were holes that he played outstanding and there were some where some mistakes were made. If he can figure out how to eliminate the mistakes around and on the greens, he’s going to be a force to look out for.
“His putting and chipping cost him the last few meets but he’s a grinder and just keeps pushing forward. That’s his best attribute. No matter what, he stays positive and does a great job of leading his team in the support department.”
Jones’ day on the course was pleasing, but not surprising, Sellman said.
“What a great day for Titus,” he said. “I am super pumped for him and his work ethic is starting to pay off. I watched him play today and was not surprised to see him perform at this level. Medaling in a varsity meet in his first year of varsity golf is outstanding and will be a big confidence booster going forward.”
Despite having never played golf before this spring, Harris also continues to show growth, Sellman said.
“Ethan is starting to get things going, and it’s great to see him playing at this level in varsity meets. He is learning everything he can and he is constantly working to get better. He is good at talking to his teammates and taking advice and instruction and his results are showing this.
“I would have never guessed at the beginning of the year that Ethan would be where he is right now having never played golf before, but here we are. I know his team is proud of him and so am I.”
