PRETTY PRAIRIE — A never-say-die spirit paid off handsomely for Marmaton Valley High’s golf team Monday.
The Wildcats took home third place in their Class 1A Regional Golf Tournament, despite a ferocious wind that wreaked havoc on golf scores from top to bottom.
“I saw a lot of kids get frustrated and quit trying,” Marmaton Valley coach Mike McEwan said. “Our kids fought the whole day, and showed a lot of fortitude.”
Marmaton Valley’s team score of 449 placed the Wildcats in the top three, thus qualifying the entire team for the upcoming state tournament.
The Wildcats’ score was one stroke behind second-place finisher Chetopa. Ashland took the regional crown at 394. The top three teams qualify for state in Class 1A.
The Wildcats were led by Lane Hamm, who carded a 104 to finish ninth. Mike Swift-Plaschka was 12th at 110, while Joe Jefferis was 13th at 112. Mitch Covey shot a 123 to finish 21st.
Winds out of the south were a steady 35 mph for most of the day, with gusts over 40 mph, McEwan said.
“Our kids did what it took to qualify,” McEwan said. “I am very proud of them for their their character and effort. They battled all day.”
Marmaton Valley travels to Garden City May 27 for the Class 1A State Tournament at, coincidentally enough, Southwind Golf Course.
