OSAWATOMIE — Winds were gusting more than 40 miles per hour Tuesday at the Osawatomie Golf Course — not exactly ideal for shooting your best scores.

The high winds didn’t seem to bother Louisburg much as the Wildcats put together their best team score of the season as they won Osawatomie Invitational. The Wildcats shot a 335 to win the tournament by three strokes.

Louisburg edged out Lansing, which finished as the runner-up with a 338, and Basehor-Linwood shot a 343 to take third in the 13-team tournament.

“The boys have been playing great all year, but did the best job managing the conditions and using their course knowledge in the tournament at Osawatomie,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. 

Sophomore Derek Frederick continued his memorable season as he medaled in his fourth consecutive tournament. Frederick carded a 79, which was good for third overall.

Bishop Seabury’s Jace Hoffman and Heritage Christian’s Lucas Prado each shot a 77 to tie for first.

Louisburg junior Sam Frederick and sophomore Matt Stohs also continued their strong seasons as both earned their third medals of the year. Frederick carded an 80 to finish eighth overall, while Stohs shot an 82 to finish ninth.

“I was actually impressed by all four of my top golfers scores in that wind with Cole Mynsted being the other one,” Burns said. “The guys have got to play more this year and work on their short shots because of the great weather. To this, I owe their success as well as listening to their coach when it is time to make subtle swing changes.”

Senior Cole Mynsted was fourth on the team with a 94 and took 28th overall in the 75-member field. Junior Garrison Bloustine took 35th with a 98, while junior Josh Holtzen was 42nd with a 101.

Louisburg will look to continue its strong play on April 25 when it travels to Spring Hill for the Frontier League Invitational. Tee time is set for 10 a.m. at Sycamore Ridge Golf Course.

PAOLA — For part of the Paola Invitational, the Louisburg golf team was having its struggles and the Wildcats couldn’t seem to get into a rhythm. 

Whatever it was, something seemed to click. Louisburg rallied on the back nine and the Wildcats finished second overall with a 337 on April 8 at the Paola Country Club.

The Wildcats were able to sneak past Ottawa by one stoke for the runner-up spot. Paola won its home tournament with a 325.

“The guys, except Derek (Frederick), were off to a horrible start,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “It was the biggest comeback I have seen from any of my teams in recent years. I was super excited for all of them.”

Junior Sam Frederick responded with his best score of the season as he shot an 80 to medal fifth overall. Sophomore Matt Stohs also carded an 80, which was good for a sixth-place medal.

Another sophomore Derek Frederick, was the Wildcats’ third medalist of the day with an 84 as he took 11th overall.

Senior Cole Mynsted finished with a 93 to take 26th and junior Garrison Bloustine was 31st with a 96. Senior Drake Crooks rounded out the Wildcat lineup with as he took 58th with a 112.

Frederick medals at Piper

Louisburg didn’t have to wait long for its next meet as the Wildcats took part in the Piper Invitational on April 9 at the challenging Dub’s Dread Golf Course.

Derek Frederick recorded his third medal on the young season as he shot a 79 to take third overall. Topeka-Hayden’s Tagen Rodriguez and Basehor-Linwood’s Carson Youngblood tied for the tournament win with a 78.

“Derek is one of my best learners and kept his swing like I taught him and has applied it every year,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “He is shooting in the high 70’s and 80’s and I am super proud of him. He has medaled in every tournament so far and also has straight A’s. He is a great student-athlete.”

As a team, the Wildcats shot a 354 against some tough competition and took sixth overall. Basehor-Linwood won with a 324, Hayden was second with a 328 and Spring Hill took third with a 329.

Along with Derek Frederick’s score, Sam Frederick also shot a solid round for the Wildcats as he carded an 84, which was good for 14th overall.

“Dub’s Dread was harder, but finishing in the middle of all the 5A and 6A teams was OK with me,” Burns said. “Derek and Sam impressed me with their scores at a tougher course.”

Matt Stohs was third on the team with a 95 and finished in 38th, while Cole Mynsted was 41st with a 96. Josh Holtzen (104) and Garrison Bloustine (125) took 47th and 63rd, respectively. 

Louisburg is back in action Tuesday when it travels to the Osawatomie Invitational. Tee time is set for 1 p.m.

Here is the Louisburg Sports Zone Athlete of the Week for week three of the spring sports season, sponsored by Craig Holtzen-Edward Jones.

DEREK FREDERICK, SOPHOMORE, GOLF

Louisburg sophomore Derek Frederick had a memorable start to his high school golf season last week at the Burlington Invitational. Frederick, in his first varsity meet, captured the Burlington individual title with a 78. He also helped the Wildcats to a first place team finish as they won the tournament by 10 strokes.

Frederick garnered two more medals this week as he finished third Tuesday with a 79 at the Piper Invitational. He also medaled 11th at the Paola Invitational on Monday as the Wildcats finished second as a team.

The athlete of the week award is announced every Wednesday morning during the spring season and the winner is selected by Louisburg Sports Zone with the help of nominations from coaches.

Previous Winners:

Week 1: Jack Anderson

Week 2: Nathaniel Lamm

BURLINGTON — In was what a rainy, soggy season opener for the Louisburg golf team, the results were anything but dreary.

The Wildcats captured the Burlington Invitational title last Tuesday with a 338 and had four medalists on the day. Louisburg defeated Burlington by 10 strokes to win going away in the 8-team meet.

If that wasn’t good enough, Louisburg sophomore Derek Frederick also led the clubhouse with the best score of the day. 

Frederick captured the individual crown with a 78 and beat Anderson County’s Eli Martin by four strokes to win comfortably.

“I was very impressed with Derek and the others, but we still need more work,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “At the same time, they did a great job managing a new course and avoiding the large numbers. I am proud of all of them.”

Along with Frederick’s performance, the Wildcats came three other finishes in the top 10 and garner a medal.

Junior Sam Frederick finished with an 86 and took fourth overall. Senior Cole Mynsted and sophomore Matt Stohs each carded an 87, but Mynsted won the tiebreaker to finish fifth and Stohs was sixth.

Louisburg junior Garrison Bloustine was 17th overall with a 94, while junior Josh Holtzen shot a 108 and finished 32nd.

The Wildcats will try and continue that momentum today as they travel to the Paola Invitational. Tee time is set for 2 p.m. at the Paola Country Club. 

Louisburg junior Sam Frederick is one of four returning golfers who saw varsity time last season.

For the first time in several years, the Louisburg golf team missed out on the state tournament, but the Wildcats aren’t planning on making that a habit.

Louisburg returns four golfers that saw varsity time this past season, including three that played in the regional tournament last season in Coffeyville.

Wildcat coach Brian Burns likes the experience that he has returning to the group and believes this team can improve throughout the season.

“I should have two golfers shooting 80s and two in the 90s at this point,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “I am hoping that all four can shoot mid 80s by regionals. This is actually a goal that is reachable at any time now, but we need more consistency within all aspects of the game.”

Senior Cole Mynsted is the lone senior on the varsity roster this season, while juniors Sam Frederick and Josh Holtzen also return after seeing a lot of varsity time last year. 

Junior Garrison Bloustine saw some varsity time last year, while sophomores Derek Frederick and Matt Stohs will also open the season as two of the top six Wildcat golfers.

“One of the spots might change, but five spots should be the same throughout the season,” Burns said. “

Louisburg added two tournaments this season, including their season opener today in Burlington. The Wildcats will also take part in the Piper Invitational, along with tournaments in Paola, Anderson County, Ottawa, Osawatomie, Spring Hill and Prairie View.

The Wildcats will travel to Chanute to end the season for the Class 4A regional tournament.

Although, they are still waiting on their first action of the season, Burns has liked what he has seen so far during practice.

“This has been the best season for practicing due to good weather conditions,” Burns said. “The guys are doing a good job, but like always, there is more work to be done. I want my players to be more consistent throughout all aspects of the game.”

Louisburg senior Carter Stuteville watches a tee shot during a tournament earlier this season.

COFFEYVILLE — The Louisburg golf team was already competing in one of its tougher tournaments on the season last week at the Class 4A regional.

The weather just made it even more difficult.

The tournament was delayed due to storms, and when they finally got the all clear to play, the golfers were still trying to dodge rain showers. 

Not much seemed to go right for the Wildcats, who saw their season come to an end at the Coffeyville Country Club course.

Louisburg finished seventh in the team standings with a 392 and none of the Wildcats were able to qualify individually. It broke a streak of three straight years of qualifying as a team.

Independence won the regional title with a 324, while Chanute and Coffeyville-Field Kindley also qualified for state with a 364.

Three Wildcat seniors played their last tournament for the team and all three led Louisburg on the day.

Nick Lancaster finished 20th overall with a 95, which included four pars. Carter Stuteville was 24th with a 97 and four pars, while Jackson Olson shot a 98.

Sophomore Sam Frederick and junior Cole Mysnted each carded a 102, which was good for 28th overall. Sophomore Josh Holtzen had a 114 and took 41st.

Field Kindley’s Zachary Becker won the regional title with a 78 on his home course.

Louisburg senior Jackson Olson watches his tee shot during a tournament earlier in the season. Olson finished second Thursday at the Prairie View Invitational.

LINN VALLEY — It has been a tough spring for the Louisburg golf team, but it all finally came together for the Wildcats on Thursday.

Louisburg traveled to the Prairie View Invitational and came home with some hardware. The Wildcats won the team title with a season-best score of 355 and edged out runner-up Iola by four strokes at the six team meet at Deer Trace Golf Course.

With all the team success, the Wildcats also earned several individual honors and it started with Jackson Olson. The Louisburg senior took second overall the tournament with a season-best 83.

Olson tied with Iola’s Brennon Coffield and Eudora’s Ty Deterding with the top score, but Deterding took home top honors on a scorecard tiebreaker. 

Senior Nick Lancaster had one of his best rounds of the season as he carded an 87 and finished seventh overall. Sophomore Sam Frederick finished in 10th with a 91.

Louisburg senior Carter Stuteville was fourth on the team, and took 14th overall, with a 94. Junior Cole Mynsted (98) and sophomore Josh Holtzen (109) finished 19th and 24th, respectively

The Wildcats are back on the course today for postseason play. Louisburg is taking part in the Class 4A regional tournament at Coffeyville Country Club.

The top three teams qualify for the state tournament next week, along with the top five other individuals from non-qualifying teams.

Louisburg senior Jackson Olson watches his tee shot during a tournament earlier this season. Olson and the Wildcats shot a season best 363 on Monday in Ottawa.

OTTAWA — It might not have left with any hardware Monday, but the Louisburg golf team saw its fair share of improvements.

Louisburg competed in the Ottawa Invitational at the Great Life Golf and Fitness course and put together its best team performance of the season. The Wildcats recorded a 363 to finish in seventh overall — which surpassed their previous best by 12 strokes.

“We finally got two golfers in the 80s, which was good to see,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “We worked hard on the short game and pitch shot distances and I think it probably helped each golfer drop a couple strokes.”

Wildcat senior Nick Lancaster recorded his best round of the season as he finished with an 85, just three spots out of a medal and took 13th overall. 

Senior Carter Stuteville also finished below 90 for the first time this season. Stuteville carded an 88 to finish 20th out of 53 golfers. 

Another senior, Jackson Olson, was next on the team with a 92 and finished 29th. Sophomore Josh Holtzen scored a 98 and was 35th.

Seniors Brock Varns (100) and Layne Ryals (123) finished 39th and 49th, respectively.

Louisburg’s schedule picks up next week as the Wildcats compete in two tournaments. They will travel to the Anderson County Invitational on Tuesday at Garnett Country Club.

Then in their final meet of the regular season, Louisburg will travel to the Prairie View Invitational at Deer Trace Golf Course at Linn Valley Lakes.

The Wildcats will then wrap up their season at the Class 4A regional tournament on May 15 at Coffeyville Country Club.

Louisburg senior Nick Lancaster watches a tee shot Monday during the Paola Invitational at Paola Country Club. Lancaster was second on the Wildcat team with a 93.

PAOLA — The Louisburg golf team took part in its third meet in a seven-day span Monday when the Wildcats traveled to compete in the Paola Invitational.

The event, which was rescheduled from earlier in the season, had its fair share of challenges for the Wildcats, but they saw some improvements on the Paola Country Club course.

Louisburg finished seventh in the team standings with a 375 as some Wildcats came close to cracking the 80s they were hoping for.

“The team shot their lowest score of the year and I had four guys in the 90s,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “I can’t wait for a couple of them to be in the 80’s, which should happen soon. We were also missing one of our best golfers, who is now back on track.”

Senior Carter Stuteville led the Wildcat team with a 90 and took 22nd overall. Another senior Nick Lancaster, also fared well with a 93, and finished 25th out of 52 golfers.

Sophomore Sam Frederick and junior Cole Mynsted each carded a 96 to tie for 28th overall. Sophomores Garrison Bloustine (98) and Josh Holtzen (103) took 32nd and 39th, respectively.

Heritage Christian won the tournament by 34 strokes with a 309. Spring Hill was second with a 345. Heritage’s Owen Evans won the individual crown with a 74 and Anderson County’s Eli Martin was second with a 76.

The Wildcats will look to continue to improve Monday when they compete at the Ottawa Invitational. Tee time is set for 2 p.m. at the Great Life Golf and Fitness Course.

Louisburg senior Carter Stuteville watches a tee shot last Tuesday during the Osawatomie Invitational.

SPRING HILL — It has been tough start to the season for the Louisburg golf team.

The Wildcats, who already started their 2023 campaign a little later than normal, saw their first tournament of the season rained out.

Louisburg was finally able to hit the links last week with a pair of tournaments, including the Frontier League Invitational at Sycamore Ridge Golf Course on Thursday in Spring Hill.

The Wildcats finished sixth in the Frontier League tournament with a 390. Tonganoxie won the league crown with a 357.

Sophomore Sam Frederick led Louisburg as he carded a 94 and finished in a tie for 14th. Senior Nick Lancaster was right behind him in 16th with a 95.

Senior Carter Stuteville was third on the Louisburg team with a 97 and was 22nd overall. Josh Holtzen (104), Garrison Bloustine (110) and Cole Mynsted (112) took 29th, 33rd and 37th, respectively.

“I think having three of our top four scores in the 90s was good for what was a windy day at Sycamore,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “Many of the players are striking the ball well, but their short games need some work. That will be the main concentration for the weeks to come.”

That was the second tournament on the week for Louisburg as it opened its season Tuesday at the Osawatomie Invitational. 

The Wildcats use Osawatomie Golf Course for practice, but it wasn’t as kind to them this time around. Louisburg shot a 376 and took 14th overall.

“Osawatomie always plays tough due to the small fast greens,” Burns said. “I was hoping for our team score to be in the 360s and not 370s.”

Lancaster led the Wildcats with an 89, while Stuteville was second on the team a 91. Frederick carded a 97 and Mynsted tallied a 99.

Bloustine and Jackson Olson rounded out the Wildcat team with a 109 and 119, respectively.

Louisburg will try and bounce back this Monday as it competes in the rescheduled Paola Invitational. Tee time is set for 2 p.m. at Paola Country Club.