Wildcats qualify for state for second consecutive season

The Louisburg golf team (from left) Sam Wheeler, Jackson Olson, A.J. Arriola, Dacey Wieland, Johnny Thompson and Johnny Eberhart finished third on Monday at the Class 4A regional in Independence and qualified for state.

INDEPENDENCE — For the second time in as many seasons, the Louisburg boys golf team is headed to the state tournament.

Except this time, the Wildcat team is made up of a completely new roster.

The Louisburg group of Johnny Eberhart, A.J. Arriola, Johnny Thompson, Sam Wheeler, Dacey Wieland and Jackson Olson shot a 392 to finish third at the Class 4A regional meet at Independence Country Club.

The Wildcats were just three strokes behind runner-up Field Kindley. Independence won the regional title with a 361.

Louisburg last went to state in 2019, but the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19.

***Senior Johnny Eberhart medaled fourth at regionals last Monday with an 87.***

“I am so excited for our team to go to state,” Eberhart said. “We have put in so much time and work into this season and I can’t believe we are going. To me this is one of my favorite high school moments. It will be amazing.”

Eberhart led Louisburg with an 87 and finished fourth overall. After a rough first nine holes, the Louisburg senior bounced back with a strong back nine that was five strokes better.

He also recorded a birdie on the par 4-No. 14, which gave him a little bit of momentum going forward.

“Independence was hard, and it was a grind,” Eberhart said. “The course presented challenges you could not expect and the pins were hard to hit. The hardest part was never playing the course before. The back nine for me just suited my eye. I could play the shots needed and drop putts.”

***Louisburg junior A.J. Arriola watches a tee shot during a meet earlier this season.***

Junior A.J. Arriola finished just outside of medal contention for Louisburg as he shot a 93 and took 11th overall.

Sam Wheeler was next on the Wildcat team with a 101 and finished 18th. Johnny Thompson was 26th with a 111.

Jackson Olson and Dacey Wieland rounded out the Louisburg lineup with a 123 and 127, respectively.

The Wildcats will travel to Dodge City and Mariah Hills Golf Course for the two-day state tournament, beginning Monday. Tee time is set for 8:30 a.m.

“My expectations for us to make the cuts to Tuesday and to play the best of our abilities,” Eberhart said. “I have my own personal goals like breaking 86 at this long, long course.”