2020 Senior Spotlight: Ryan Haight - Louisburg Sports Zone

Louisburg Sports Zone will be running senior spotlights through April and May everyday (Monday through Friday) in an effort to honor seniors who had their seasons taken away due to the spread of COVID-19.

Ryan Haight was one of the first Louisburg golfers back to the clubhouse during what turned out to be a memorial May tournament in Paola.

The Wildcats were competing in the Class 4A regional tournament at the Paola Country Club and Haight had just finished his round not knowing how the rest of his team did. They were hoping to sneak in the top three to earn a spot in the state tournament, but it was going to be difficult.

As it turned out, the Wildcats qualified quite comfortably. Louisburg finished third – nine strokes ahead of fourth place Ottawa.

“My favorite moment came towards the end of last year when we were announced as being a state qualifier,” Haight said. “As one of the first golfers back, it was very exciting to see all my teammates come in with extremely good scores. Once everyone finished, there was a lot of buzz throughout our team as we all tried to calculate our overall team score. I don’t think I can describe the joy we all shared after hearing that our team was going to state.”

Louisburg was hoping for even bigger things this time around. The Wildcats had five of the six golfers back from that state team and they were aiming high for the 2020 campaign.

Not only that, but the Wildcats featured eight seniors on the team – many of which got together in the offseason to play the occasional round and improve their game. It is a close knit group.

“There was a lot of anticipation surrounding the start of the season from all the golfers,” Haight said. “I personally was immensely excited seeing as it was our last go at state. Plus this was one of the first years we were considered favorites to at least qualify.

“It’s not very often that all your best friends make up the majority of the team. Ever since freshman year, we all bonded very well together and would continue to play golf together into the following summers. I think that is what made this season seem special – the fact that more than half the team had all been a part of one team for so long.”

**Ryan Haight was one of five returning golfers from the Louisburg state team from a year ago.**

Obviously, the Wildcats will never know how that final season turned out as the spread of COVID-19 halted spring sports across the state and closed schools.

“I think the only words I can use are speechless and stunned,” Haight said. “Going into Spring Break, I knew something like this was a very possible scenario, but it becomes surreal when it is your own school. The day the news came in I had just got my wisdom teeth out. However, hearing all my friends’ responses to the cancelation the following day was heartbreaking.”

Golf was supposed to be the perfect end to a high school career for Haight that included success on the Louisburg boys’ soccer team, as he was a first team All-Frontier League player and was the Co-Defender of the Year in Class 4-1A. Still, golf was a sport that has meant a lot to him and his family.

“I have played golf now for roughly nine years,” Haight said. “I originally got into the sport as something to do with my dad and my cousin. Every time I would visit my cousin, we made sure to at least get one round in before I left. Since he was also a high school golfer, it was always fun to be able to track each other’s scores through KSHSAA throughout the season.”

Other than golf, Louisburg Sports Zone also had a chance to catch up with Ryan on how he has been coping with an early end to his senior year and some of his other interests. Here are his responses from the rest of our Q&A.

LSZ: What have you been missing the most during this time away from everyone?

RH: I think the social aspect of school is what I miss the most. The ability to just say hi to someone is something I think I took for granted. I guess you never realize what you have until it’s gone

LSZ: What is your most memorable moment as an athlete or in school, and why?

RH: Throughout my soccer career I have had numerous favorite memories. Scoring a hat trick against Spring Hill and playing in a state semi-final game are just to name a few. However, with all the tribulations I had this year, finding a way to lead a team to a regional championship as a captain is my biggest triumph.

LSZ: What is your favorite activity/hobby outside of sports and why?

RH: Ever since I was little, I have always loved to build with Legos. I guess I find it relaxing just to be able to create something amazing with just simple shapes. Even though the box says for 8 and up I still find joy in building a set. I personally have more Lego sets than I would like to share.

LSZ: What are your plans for after graduation?

RH: I plan to attend the University of Kansas and graduate with a Masters in Architecture and Design.

LSZ: What accomplishments that don’t involve athletics are you most proud of and why?

RH: I have always been very focused on academics as well as athletics. So receiving the Kansas Honor Scholar award is by far my biggest academic achievement. I felt the award was a testament to my hard work.