Wildcat golf qualifies two for state tournament

INDEPENDENCE — A year ago, the Louisburg golf team suffered heartbreak when the Wildcats were completely shut out of the state tournament. 

Not this year, however.

The Wildcats will send two golfers to the state tournament this season as senior Sam Frederick and junior Derek Frederick will both represent Louisburg after earning a spot following the May 19 regional tournament at the Independence Country Club.

Both players will competing in their first state tournament, which will be held May 27 at the Sand Creek Station Course in Newton. 

Sam Frederick earned a regional medal with a top 10 performance as he led the Wildcat team.

“Qualifying for state has always been a goal of mine, and to see all the work I’ve put in pay off all season is great,” Sam said. “Being able to make the trip to the state tournament, and also earn the honors of a top 10 regional placement, was amazing and a good boost of confidence going into state next week.”

The Louisburg senior finished 10th with an 87 on a tough Independence Country Club course. Independence had the top three individual finishers, led by champion Ethan Small, who had a 75.

“The course in Independence was in rough condition and all the rain the few days prior didn’t help, but everyone had to play the same course,” Sam said. “My swing felt well that day, but I just wasn’t scoring on the back 9. I felt like overall it was decent. It was good enough to give me one final tournament, which i’m looking forward to.”

Derek Frederick was the final individual to qualify for the state tournament as he carded a 91 and took 17th overall. 

The top 3 teams qualify for the state tournament, along with the top five individuals who aren’t a part of those teams. 

“It meant a lot to be able to qualify for state as I came up short last year,” Derek said. “I was very excited for the opportunity to compete again. The conditions were very tough, and not many golfers shot too well. I felt like I played pretty good despite the wet and patchy conditions.”

Independence won the regional title with a 318, while Fort Scott was second with a 334 and Ottawa took third with a 354. 

Louisburg found itself 12 strokes back of earning a spot as a team with a 366 as it finished fourth overall. 

Freshman Reese Smith finished two strokes back of a state spot as she carded a 93 and ended in a tie for 20th. 

Senior Josh Holtzen was 25th with a 95 and Garrison Bloustine was 41st to round out the Wildcat lineup. 

Both Sam and Derek will now focus on the state tournament. The 2-day meet begins on May 27th in Newton and both will tee off at 9 a.m.

“Sand Creek is a tough golf course, but also very scoreable if you go out there and commit to your shots,” Sam said. “My main goal is to go out there and make it to the second day of the tournament, but also go out there and just have fun. We’ve had a great season so this is my chance to go and show all the hard work I’ve put in.”

Added Derek, “I am very excited for the chance to compete against the best golfers in 4A and show what I can do. I have worked hard to get here and now I just need to go out and play my game.”

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