Dillon, Wildcats win Paola Invitational title

Louisburg junior Calvin Dillon puts his fairway shot onto the green last Monday during the Paola Invitational at Paola Country Club. Dillon won the individual crown with a 75.

PAOLA – The Louisburg golf team couldn’t have asked for a better start to its season last Monday when the Wildcats competed in the Paola Invitational.

Not only did Louisburg have two of the top three individual medalists, but the Wildcats took home the tournament’s top prize. The Wildcats scored a 349 to finish first overall in the team standings and won by seven strokes over second place Anderson County.

Louisburg junior Calvin Dillon continued to show that he is one of the best golfers in the area. Dillon, a two-time state medalist, won the individual crown with a 75 on what was a soggy course at Paola Country Club – the same course the Wildcats will compete on later in the year for regionals.

“I hit the drive and putter really well,” Dillon said. “I made too many mistakes on my approach shots leading to a lot of bogeys, but I covered them up nicely with birdies. It was really nice to win the first tournament and that gives me confidence moving forward knowing that I am capable of competing at a high level.

“The course was very wet, so the balls were plugging a lot and almost every club got no roll. However, already playing in Paola gives us a big advantage in the regional tournament having played that course already and having it so close to home.”

Dillon wasn’t the only Wildcat to medal as junior Drake Varns had a strong first showing as well. Varns carded an 82 to finish third overall, and was one stroke behind Spring Hill’s Patrick Hartsock for second. Varns, along with Dillon, were two of several reasons for the team’s first place finish.

“The team played very well and we are all so excited to get a win under our belt,” Dillon said. “Drake played a great round too. I’m happy for him because he has been putting in a lot of hard work in the offseason, as well as in practice.”

Junior David Perentis was third on the Wildcat team with a 94 and finished 14^th overall. Luke Wickersham, another Louisburg junior, carded a 98 to take 21^st.

Junior Ryan Haight (102) and senior Noah Hill (103) rounded out the Wildcat team in 24^th and 26^th place, respectively.

“I was pleased when my number six, David Perentis, came through and shot his best score 94. Also, Luke Wickersham broke 100 with a 98 and that helped our team score. Drake played well at his home course and Calvin, who has not had a bunch of practice time, got back on track as well.

“I know we can shoot a team score in the 330’s, but my golfers need to work harder in focusing more when having small competitions during our practices. They can take that experience to the meets.”

It will be a busy week for the Wildcats as they will travel to the Osawatomie Invitational on Tuesday, and then they will compete in the Spring Hill Invitational on Thursday at Sycamore Ridge.

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