Louisburg senior A.J. Arriola recently signed his letter of intent to join the Barton Community College golf program in Great Bend.

A.J. Arriola didn’t think golf was going to be his future in college, outside of just playing in his free time.

Louisburg’s run to the state tournament last season changed all that for him. Arriola helped his team qualify for state and he played in the state tournament for the first time in his career.

One might consider it a life-altering experience. When that happened, Arriola knew he wasn’t done playing competitively.

The Louisburg senior found a home as he recently signed with Barton Community College to join the golf program in Great Bend.

“I knew I wanted to play golf in college since last year around the time we made it to state,” Arriola said. “Making it to state was a confidence booster and I knew if I devoted my time to improving I could play at the next level.”

Arriola has certainly put in the time as he has become the Wildcats’ No. 1 golfer this season after making strides as a junior. He has earned four individual medals already this season, with two more meets left on the schedule before postseason action gets underway.

That success is what Arriola hopes to bring to the Barton program — one that is ranked 20th in the country for junior colleges. It was a program that he quickly grew to enjoy, along with head coach Doug Kaiser.

“What made me love Barton was how nice the coach was,” Arriola said. “He showed that he cares a lot about his players and it definitely played a role into my decision. My expectations aren’t that high for myself, I am just going to focus on my game, improve and hopefully will succeed.”

Now that his college decision is made, Arriola can now focus on the rest of his high school career, including making another trip to the state tournament.

After just missing the cut on the first day of state last season, Arriola is focused on getting back and making a run in the second day.

“I have two goals for my last season and that is making it to state and finishing first in a tournament,” Arriola said. “Hopefully I can accomplish both those things.”

Louisburg senior A.J. Arriola watches his putt during a meet earlier this season. Arriola finished ninth on Tuesday in Ottawa.

OTTAWA — Louisburg’s A.J. Arriola continued his memorable senior season Tuesday when the Wildcat golf team made the journey to the Ottawa Invitational. 

Outside of the first tournament of the season, Arriola has garnered a medal in every competition and that continued Tuesday at the Great Life Golf and Fitness Course.

Arriola finished ninth overall as he shot an 85, which was good enough for his fourth consecutive medal.

As a team, the Wildcats finished sixth overall with a 356 in what was a competitive tournament that featured several Frontier League teams.

Ottawa won its home tournament with a 338, while Tonganoxie’s Andrew Wilson won the individual crown with a 74. Ottawa’s Aiden Finch was second with a 79.

Louisburg got a strong performance from its top three golfers, who all shot in the 80s.

Senior Ian Kirkpatrick was one stroke away from a medal as he finished 12th with an 88. Another senior, Johnny Thompson, carded an 89 to finish in a tie for 18th overall.

Junior Nick Lancaster was fourth on the team with a 92. Senior Sam Wheeler and junior Carter Stuteville rounded out the Wildcat team with a 96 and 98, respectively.

Louisburg will be busy next week as the Wildcats participate in two tournaments. They will take part in the Anderson County Invitational on Tuesday in Garnett and then the Prairie View Invitational on Thursday at Deer Trace Golf Course.

Both tournaments will set up the Wildcats for the postseason as they will take part in the Class 4A regional May 16 in Fort Scott.  

Louisburg senior A.J. Arriola watches a tee shot Tuesday at the Osawatomie Invitational. On Thursday, Arriola medaled third at the Frontier League Invitational at Sycamore Ridge Golf Course.

SPRING HILL — A.J. Arriola has put together a strong week for the Louisburg golf team and it ended with a memorable performance at one of the toughest courses in the area.

Arriola finished third at the Frontier League Invitational on Thursday at Sycamore Ridge Golf Course as he carded an 85.

As a team, the Wildcats finished fifth in the league with a 372, but found themselves just eight strokes back of third. Tonganoxie won the team title with a 349 and Piper was second with a 361. Spring Hill was third with a 364.

“A.J. is playing good golf and has much passion for the sport,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “I know we got fifth place, but we were not too far off third and none of our top four scores were over 99 at a difficult course. I tried to make sure that the golfers thought about eliminating big numbers and for the most part, they did that on most of the holes.”

Junior Nick Lancaster, who the team’s No. 6 golfer heading into the tournament, shot a season-best 93 to finish 16th overall.

“Nick shot his best score this year on a tough course and was our six man doing it,” Burns said. “He has so much potential if he can put a full round together.  There is no reason that he can’t break 90’s by the end of the season.”

Senior Johnny Thompson made his first appearance on the varsity team this season as he shot a 95 to finish 24th. Junior Jackson Olson and senior Ian Kirkpatrick both carded a 99 to finished 29th and 30th, respectively.

Another senior, Bodie Lancaster, shot a 112 to round out the Wildcat golfers.

Louisburg is off next week and is back in action on May 2 when the Wildcats travel to the Ottawa Invitational.

Arriola, Olson medal at Osawatomie

Louisburg started its week at the Osawatomie Invitational and senior A.J. Arriola earned his first medal of the week to lead the Wildcats.

Arriola finished third with an 81 and the Wildcats were fifth overall with a 353. Piper won the team title with a 340, while Bishop Seabury’s Will Hedges won the tournament with a 73.

Junior Jackson Olson also earned a medal for Louisburg as he carded an 87 and finished 20th overall.

“Osawatomie was a good tournament,” Burns said. “At the same time, the team has not reached their full potential. We are just planning on playing more holes at practice and being able to stay longer with better weather.”

Senior Ian Kirkpatrick was third on the Wildcat team with a 90 and fellow senior Bodie Lancaster was fourth with a 95. Senior Sam Wheeler and junior Nick Lancaster shot a 100 and 101, respectively, to round out the Louisburg squad.

Louisburg senior A.J. Arriola watches a tee shot Monday during the Paola Invitational at Paola Country Club. Arriola shot an 84 and finished fourth.

PAOLA — The Louisburg golf team left with a little bit of hardware following the Paola Invitational on Monday at Paola Country Club.

Two Wildcats left with individual medals as both A.J. Arriola and Jackson Olson finished in the top 10, while the team finished just outside of the medals.

Louisburg finished third in the 8-team tournament with a 366. Paola won the team title with an 342 and Anderson County was second with a 348.

It was a big day for both Arriola and Olson as they earned their first medals of the season. Arriola, a senior, carded an 84 to take fourth overall.

Olson, a junior, put together a personal-best score on an 89 to finish in eighth.

“A.J. has the talent to always be shooting in the low to mid 80’s,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “Jackson broke 90 for the first time and I was super happy for him. He has really enjoyed the sport and has been working hard to get better.”

Louisburg senior Sam Wheeler saw a big improvement from his first tournament of the season as he shot a 95 to take 20th overall. Junior Nick Lancaster, who was competing in his first varsity tournament, recorded a 97.

“Nick Lancaster shot good for his first varsity tournament and first year on the team,” Burns said. “Sam Wheeler is on schedule to stay in the mid to  low 90’s and maybe high 80’s.”

Senior Ian Kirkpatrick shot a 102 to take 33rd overall and senior Bodie Lancaster finished 37th with a 109.

Anderson County’s Lane Richards shot a 77 to win the tournament. Paola’s Seth Aistrup and Aaron Koechner both carded an 81 to take second and third, respectively.

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

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — In its first tournament of the season, the Louisburg golf team certainly got a test right out of the gate.

The Wildcats competed at the Piper Invitational on Tuesday and had to face off with the difficult Dub’s Dread Golf Course in Kansas City.

Louisburg finished 10th in the team standings with a 371 in the 13-team tournament. Basehor-Linwood won with a 318 and De Soto was second with a 321.

Although the Wildcats would have liked to shoot better, there were still plenty of positives to take away from the tournament.

“I thought the guys did great,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “It was a tougher course than we normally play and has bigger greens. They were told before to stay out of the bunkers and most of them did, so no major obstacles. My top four scores were good, but we will get better. I was happy none of those four were over 100.” 

Senior A.J. Arriola led the Wildcats with an 89, which was good for 27th overall. Another senior, Ian Fitzpatrick, shot a 92 to take 36th in his first varsity tournament.

Junior Jackson Olson was next with a 94 and took 39th. Another senior in his first varsity tournament, Bodie Lancaster, finished 45th and shot a 96.

Senior Sam Wheeler shot a 108 to round out the Louisburg scores and finished 60th.

Louisburg is back in action Monday when it competes at the Paola Invitational at Paola Country Club. Tee time is set for 2 p.m.

Members of the 2022 Louisburg High School winter homecoming court are (from left) Aubryn Berck, Aiden Barker, Chase Kallevig, A.J. Arriola, Corinna McMullen, Carson Kern, Reese Johnson and Isaac Guetterman.

Homecoming week at Louisburg High School kicked off Monday and events are in full swing. With something going on every day this week, it will be a busy time for students. All of it is, of course, centered around the crowning of the 2022 winter king and queen. Eight students were selected as nominees and here are their names and profiles.

The crowning will take place on Friday during halftime of the Wildcat boys’ basketball game with Spring Hill. Tipoff for that game is set for approximately 7:30 p.m. Good luck to all the participants and make sure to come out on Friday to support both the Wildcat girls and boys basketball teams.

Aubryn Berck and Aiden Barker

Aubryn is the daughter of Dave and Amanda Berck. Aubryn has been involved with high school volleyball for three years, member of National Honor Society for two years, FCA for two years. She has been a part of FCCLA for one year, track for one year and volleyball manager for one year. Aubryn has played club volleyball for eight years, shown horses for 10 years and a leader in Life Church’s youth classroom for two years. Following graduation, Aubryn is planning to study nutrition sciences to become a registered dietician. She is undecided on her school at this time.

Aiden is the son of David and Gail Barker. Aiden has participated in football for four years, wrestling for four years and National Honor Society for two years. He is currently undecided on his plans following graduation.

Chase Kallevig and A.J. Arriola

Chase is the daughter of Eric and Kara Kallevig. Chase has participated in volleyball for four years, FFA for three year, National Honor Society for two years, FBLA for two years and basketball for one year. Chase is currently undecided on her plans following graduation.

A.J. is the son of Juan Arriola and Shelly Gibson. A.J. has participated in golf for four years, FCA for two years, musical for two years, choir for two years and FBLA for one year. A.J. plans to major in accounting in college, but is undecided on his destination.

Corinna McMullen and Carson Kern

Corinna is the daughter of Scott and Sarah McMullen. Corinna has participated in volleyball for four years, National Honor Society for two years, Interact Club for one year and FBLA for one year. After graduation, Corinna will attend Washburn University on a volleyball scholarship and major in nursing with a specialization in pediatrics.

Carson is the son of Matthew and Veronica Kern. Carson has participated in basketball for three years and golf for two years. After graduation, Carson plans to attend Pittsburg State University.

Reese Johnson and Isaac Guetterman

Reese is the daughter of Matthew and Tiffany Johnson. Reese has participated in soccer for four years, cross country for four years, National Honor Society for two years, band for two years and FFA for one year. Reese plans to attend the University of Central Missouri after graduation, but is undecided on a major.

Isaac is the son of Ted and Lisa Guetterman. Isaac has participated in FFA for four years, soccer for four years and basketball for four years. He has been a part of National Honor Society for two years and participated in track for one. Following graduation, Isaac plans to attend Iowa State University and major in Agricultural Engineering.

It was a successful, and eventful, 2021 for Louisburg High School athletics and for those who are connected to the Wildcat program. This past year created a lot of school history for LHS and several programs brought back state hardware.

Below are the top stories from 2021, along with a brief explanation of each. Included in the explanation is the link to the actual story from the event.

When putting the list together, I took a lot of things into account – whether it was team vs. individual, popularity of the sport, historical achievements and the interest it drew on the web site.

This year was a blast to cover and I am looking forward to seeing what 2022 will bring. Thank you to everyone for their support and can’t wait for it all to begin again.

10. Louisburg golf team qualifies for state

INDEPENDENCE — For the second time in as many seasons, the Louisburg boys golf team qualified for 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.

Eberhart led Louisburg with an 87 and finished fourth overall and was the lone Wildcat to make the cut for the second day.

9. Compliment steps back from volleyball program after 15 seasons.

When Jessica Compliment walked off the floor following her team’s semifinal sub-state loss to Bishop Miege back in October of 2020, the only thought on her mind was how that match was more like a state championship battle.s

It wasn’t your normal match as the two perennial state contenders had to square off so early in the postseason. She was proud of her team and was looking forward to another season of helping Louisburg volleyball get to another state tournament.

Little did she know, it would be the last time she would find herself on the Lady Cat sideline.

In late January, Compliment submitted her resignation as head volleyball coach as she will be stepping away to spend more time with her growing family.

Compliment certainly left her mark on the Louisburg volleyball program as she finished her 15th season back in October and has an impressive resume to show for it.

In the decade-and-a-half as the Lady Cat coach, Compliment guided Louisburg to eight state tournament appearances and placed in the top four of seven of them.

She also finished nine wins shy of 400 as she posted a record of 391-226 and helped Louisburg to three state championship matches.

Shortly after, the district hired assistant coach Leanna Willer to take over the program.

8. Wildcat boys soccer wins Frontier League title, advances to regional title

It had the drama of a state championship match, but instead the No. 1 and 3 ranked teams in the state were playing for the Class 4-1A regional championship title.

Louisburg hosted Bishop Miege in hopes ending the Stags’ string of consecutive state championships.

Instead, the Wildcats once again saw their season come to a close after a 2-0 loss to the Stags at Wildcat Stadium and ended their season with a 12-5-1 record.

The loss was heartbreaking defeat for the Wildcats, who had their sights set on another state final four — and possibly — a state title. To make matters worse, it was to a Miege team that has handed Louisburg a loss in five of the last six postseasons.

Earlier in the season, the Wildcats were crowned as co-champions of the Frontier League with Spring Hill.

7. Wildcat wrestling medals two

SALINA — Cade Holtzen and Alec Younggren didn’t get to leave Salina with what they were hoping to earn.

Only a select few get to leave with the title of “state champion,” and both Louisburg seniors were close to reaching their goal. Despite that, both wrestlers helped the Wildcat team to their best state finish in nearly 11 years.

Younggren reached the championship match, only to finish second at 220 pounds, while Holtzen rallied back to medal third at 132 during the Class 4A Kansas State Wrestling Championships at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center. The two wrestlers combined to score 30 points, which put them 14th in the team standings.

Louisburg hadn’t finished that high since 2010, when Austin Hood won his first of three state titles and his brother Bryce, took second. The Wildcats were 10th that year.

6. Louisburg cross country qualifies both teams for state, medals four.

WAMEGO — It wasn’t the finish Louisburg wanted following the Class 4A state cross country meet, but the Wildcats left with more than their fair share of hardware.

Louisburg was awarded four state medals following the meet at Wamego Country Club, including three on the girls side for the second straight season.

The Lady Cats had hoped to earn a team plaque for the second year in a row, but took fifth overall with 144 points. Eudora won the girls championship with 56, Baldwin was second with 64 and Winfield was third with 93.

Sophomore Emma Vohs led the charge for Louisburg as she finished sixth overall. Sophomore Maddy Rhamy and senior Reese Johnson also medaled for the Lady Cats.

In his first year with the boys program, senior Jaden Vohs had a strong final run for the Wildcats as he medaled 12th overall.

5. Louisburg cheer finishes runner-up at state competition

TOPEKA — The Louisburg High cheer program knows a thing or two about being one of the last teams left standing at the Game Day Showcase.

Louisburg, which won a state title in 2019 and took third in 2020, found itself one of the two teams left standing.

When the final results were announced in November, the judges awarded the Wildcat cheer squad the state runner-up plaque. Paola won the state title, while Baldwin made it a Frontier League sweep as it took third.

4. Wildcat girls take fourth at state soccer

WICHITA — The Louisburg girls soccer team may have left the Class 4-1A Kansas State Girls Soccer Championships with a pair of losses, but the Wildcats took a lot of pride in what they accomplished.

For the fourth straight season, Louisburg advanced to the state final four and the Wildcats finished fourth in the state – a far cry where many people thought they would end up. The Wildcats lost a pair of 2-1 matches to Mulvane and then to McPherson in the third-place match at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita.

Louisburg, which lost 12 seniors from a season that didn’t happen due to COVID, returned just three varsity players. Despite all that, they ended up being one of the top teams in the state.

3. Louisburg girls basketball snaps 47-year state drought, takes third at state

SALINA — The tears were abundant following Louisburg’s loss to McPherson in the Class 4A state semifinal game.

The Lady Cats saw their season come to an end after their 58-46 loss to the Bullpups in Salina, but as hard as the finality of it was to take, they know what is the bigger picture.

Before the game even started, Louisburg already wrapped up its best finish in program history and became the first Lady Cat team to place at state as it finished third.

A season that finished with a 19-5 record and a third place state trophy, is one that will always be remembered in Louisburg history.

“It means the world to me to finish third at state,” senior Megan Foote said. “Obviously it wasn’t how we wanted to finish, but that’s okay. I’m still beyond proud of this group and the accomplishments we have made. We are the best girls basketball team in Louisburg history. I’d say to be a part of that, is pretty awesome. I’m honored.”

For the last three quarters of the game, Louisburg actually outscored McPherson 43-37, but it was the first quarter that the Lady Cats weren’t able to overcome.

McPherson scored the first 15 points of the first quarter and took a 21-3 lead going into the second period.

2. Wildcat basketball advances to first-ever state title game, finish runner-up

SALINA — The result of the state championship game is not what the Louisburg boys basketball team will focus on several years from now.

The fact that the 2020-21 Wildcats recorded the best finish in school history, will be more than enough for them to fondly reminisce about.

Louisburg, which played in its first-ever state championship game in Salina, fell to state power Bishop Miege, 94-40. As disappointing as the result was, many of the Wildcats were looking bigger picture.

“We will forever live in history with this senior class and with this team,” senior Weston Guetterman said. “Until someone wins it at least, we are going to be the bar that everyone looks to. It is a proud moment for all of us.”

In the state semifinal, the Wildcats got a revenge victory with a come-from-behind 58-55 win over Augusta to advance to the state title game.

1. Wildcat track wins second state championship; Wright wins three state titles.

WICHITA — On the 10th anniversary of the Louisburg boys’ first state track championship, this year’s team wanted to do something to commemorate the historic event.

The Wildcats decided they wanted to win one of their own.

Louisburg edged out Andale for the state championship Friday during the Class 4A Kansas Track and Field Championships at Cessna Stadium in Wichita.

It is just the second track championship for Louisburg and just the fourth team state championship in school history. 

The first one was a golf title in 1977, and then football won its first state title in 2010. The track team followed with its first later that school year in 2011 and the Louisburg cheer squad won a state title in 2019.

“There are no words to describe how incredibly proud I was of the entire team,” Louisburg coach Andy Wright said. “It was a total team effort. It was a moment I will never forget as a coach, and how exciting that it came down to the final race.  Everyone gave it their all, and I just couldn’t happier as a coach to see all of that hard work pay off for them with the greatest reward.”

Tom Koontz led the Wildcats with four state medals, including a state championship in the 110-meter hurdles.

On the girls side, Delaney Wright made some history of her own. 

Wright was the favorite to win state titles in her three events at the Class 4A State Track and Field Championships.

She didn’t disappoint. 

Wright not only won three state championships, but she won them in convincing fashion, breaking two school records in the process. The Louisburg junior won the long jump, 400-meter dash and the 200-meter dash on her way to an historic day in Wichita.

“My experience at state track this year was amazing,” Wright said. “The people competing there were super nice and my teammates made it more fun. It meant a lot to pull off winning three state titles.”

Wright became the first female Wildcat athlete to win three state titles in the same year as she helped the Lady Cats to a fifth place finish in the team standings – also the highest finish for Louisburg girls track and field.

“I can’t say enough how awesome of a competitor Delaney is,” Louisburg girls coach John Reece said. “I know she went to state with one thing on her mind – win.  She did just that and truly performed to her best. Winning three different events is an incredible feat.”

There hasn’t been a whole lot of good to talk about in the last year or so.

Our life has changed around us. We are having to deal with a new normal and there are a lot uncertainties as to what our future holds. 

It is an unnerving time for a lot of people and our country seems more divided than ever. Still, to get by in this difficult time, you have to look for positives.

For me, the last school year brought me some of the best moments in my journalistic life. The 2020-21 school was arguably one of the most successful seasons in Louisburg High School history from top to bottom, and I was more than grateful to be there for it all.

Just look at what was accomplished last year:

• Boys cross country qualified for state for the first time in school history.

• Girls cross country placed at state for the first time in its history as they took third in Class 4A. Maddy Rhamy, Lola Edwards and Reese Johnson also earned medals.

• Boys soccer had its best finish in school history with a 3rd place state finish.

• Boys basketball advanced to the state championship game for the first time and took second.

• Girls basketball advanced to the state tournament for the first time in 47 years and recorded its best finish in third.

• Wrestlers Alec Younggren and Cade Holtzen took second and third, respectively, at the state tournament.

• Boys golf qualified for state as a team.

• Girls soccer made an improbable run to advance to its fourth straight state final four and the Wildcats took fourth.

• Delaney Wright won three state track titles in the long jump, 200 dash and 400 dash and broke all three school records in the process.

• Maybe perhaps the best accomplishment of all, the Louisburg boys track and field team won the Class 4A state championship as they edged out Andale for the title.

Just a year removed from losing their spring season due to COVID-19, the Wildcats came back stronger than ever and it showed. It was an exciting time to be a Louisburg sports fan.

However, with so much positivity from last season, it is time to turn the page and focus on what the 21-22 season has in store.

First day of fall practice begins this Monday and the football, volleyball, cross country and boys soccer team all have a chance to do some special things this season. I am fortunate I will be able to be there once again to cover it all.

As I talked about earlier, there is a lot of negativity going on in the world right now, but I am more than thankful to have a job where I can get away from all that and cover all the special moments. 

Last season was a much-needed get away for me and it was an unbelievable journey to see all the Wildcat history that was made.

This year has another chance to be a special one. There is no way to predict what will happen, but I do know there is a chance for even more history and records to fall this upcoming year.

Football numbers are up and the Wildcats are poised for a big season, while the cross country, volleyball and boys soccer team all return several key pieces to make a run in the postseason – and that is just what the fall will hold.

The seasons can’t get here soon enough and I am ready to cover it all once again. Hope to see you all out there supporting the Wildcats and maybe you can forget all those stresses in life — even if it is just for a few moments.

Louisburg High School graduate Calvin Dillon got the chance to caddy for PGA legend Tom Watson during the Watson Challenge last month.

Calvin Dillon got the phone call he never expected.

The result left him shaking and speechless. He couldn’t believe who he was talking to. 

On the other end of the line, was none other than golf legend Tom Watson.

Watson needed a caddy for the Watson Challenge and was recommended Dillon, who is a young golfer himself and plays on the Central Missouri State University team.

“I’m a pretty even keeled guy and I usually don’t get too excited or too down about a given situation, but when I learned I was going to caddy for Mr. Watson I was shaking from head to toe and couldn’t speak too well,” Dillon said. “The whole thing was pretty crazy. When I woke up that day, I didn’t think in a million years I would be talking with Tom Watson over the phone about carrying his bag for the week. That’s all that I could think about for the rest of the day and that night. I was filled with so much excitement and nervousness that I could barely sleep.”

Watson’s son was supposed to caddy for him, but went down with an injury and left the PGA legend scrambling for caddy help at the last minute.

Dillon was scheduled to play in a tournament that week as well, but Watson made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“I’m just a lucky kid I guess,” Dillon said. “Mr. Watson contacted Doug Habel who is a tournament director for Central Links, which is the organization that runs the tournament, and asked him if he had any candidates. So Doug contacted me and asked if I would like the job. I was supposed to play in a tournament in Manhattan that same weekend, but it’s not every day that you get to carry an 8-time major winner’s bag, so I withdrew.”

Dillon, who won multiple state medals at Louisburg High School, had the chance to walk with Watson in the 3-day tournament and learn from one of the best to play the game.

“The experience was awesome,” Dillon said. “Mr. Watson was super cool and made me feel comfortable. He had me carry his range finder and yardage book in my caddy bib as well as a wet towel over my shoulder to keep his ball and clubs clean.”

The Watson Challenge, which is played at The National Golf Course of Kansas City, ended on June 5 and the three days flew by for Dillon. He even picked up a few things along the way.

“As far as golf goes, the biggest thing that I noticed about his game was that he didn’t short side himself one time,” he said. “In 54 holes of golf, he never once had to hit an uncomfortable chip with no green to work with. He always made sure that if he missed the green, it was always to the fat part, so that he had plenty of room to hit a much more manageable bump and run rather than a difficult flop shot’

Dillon, who will be a redshirt freshman for CMSU this fall, is playing in his fair share of tournaments this summer to improve his game. However, his three days with Watson were the highlight of his year.

He realized as good as he is at golf, Watson is an even better person.

“Something that stuck out to me, and that I will always remember, is that Mr. Watson went out of his way to talk to young kids that were following our group and watching him play,” Dillon said. “After everyone in the group would tee off and start walking, there would maybe be a spot where the players and the gallery would come close together for 100 yards or so. Multiple times throughout each round, Mr. Watson would walk with a kid during that time and talk with them. Being a young kid and getting an interaction like that with a golfing legend is unforgettable. That to me was the coolest thing I saw all week.”

Louisburg senior Johnny Eberhart made the cut at the Class 4A state golf tournament in Dodge City and finished 31st overall with a 172.

One of Johnny Eberhart’s goals at the Class 4A Kansas State Golf Championships was just to make the cut and play on that second day.

Eberhart did just that during the 2-day tournament on May 24-25 at Mariah Hills Golf Course in Dodge City. The Louisburg senior made the cut with no problem as he shot on a 85 the first day to stay within striking distance.

“After making cuts and seeing my ranking, I felt happy and relieved to make it to day two and to get another round for my team,” Eberhart said. “I didn’t let myself play more freely as I wanted to give myself the best shot to move forward as I could, but there was less pressure to perform.”

On the second day, Eberhart fired an 87 to give himself a total score of 172. He finished 31st overall and finished just outside of medal contention.

“To be able to compete at state was my dream from the beginning of the season,” Eberhart said. “It makes me so proud of our team to be able to play at this tournament.”

The Wildcat team qualified for state after their third place finish at regionals, but the other five didn’t see a second day.

Junior A.J. Arriola just missed the cut with a 91. Sam Wheeler was third on the team with a 97 and Johnny Thompson shot a 106.

Jackson Olson and Dacey Wieland rounded out the Wildcat group with a 116 and 119, respectively.

Mariah Hills Golf Course provided a lot of challenges for the Wildcat golfers, none of which had played in a state tournament before this year.

“Mariah Hills was a very nice course, greens were immaculate and the fairways were tight,” Eberhart said. “The course was long but played to my strengths. It was a great course to hold state for 4A.”