Hayden, Silver Lake secure golf state titles

Two Topeka-area teams achieved the highest honor in high school golf on Tuesday, with Hayden Catholic and Silver Lake securing state championships in their respective classes. This not only showcases their skill and dedication but also highlights the local talent in the sport.

Day 2 of the state tournament featured several other impressive local golfers who made the cut. Let’s dive into the results, class by class.

Class 4A

In 2022, Hayden Catholic narrowly missed out on a state title and settled for third place. However, this season, they were determined to bring home the championship. Hayden Catholic dominated Class 4A at Salina Municipal Golf Course, finishing 37 shots ahead of second-place Wamego.

Avery Grunert, a senior, emphasized the importance of having the same roster from last year’s team. Their familiarity and cohesion played a significant role in their victory this season.

“We focused on our chipping and putting, making it a priority in our daily practice sessions,” said Grunert. “Minimizing errors and paying attention to those crucial shots made a big difference in our scores.”

Izzy Glotzbach led the way for Hayden Catholic, finishing tied for ninth place. Hannah Reynoldson, Lauren Borjon, and Grunert followed closely, securing 14th, 15th, and 16th place, respectively. Addyson Baer and Kyleigh Johnson rounded out the team’s strong performance with 24th and 36th place finishes.

Hayden Catholic’s determination was fueled by their loss to Wamego in the regional tournament, which motivated them to come out on top in the final tournament of the year.

“Seeing our hard work pay off was an incredible feeling,” Grunert expressed. “It was a day filled with nervousness, excitement, and unforgettable experiences.”

Class 3-2-1A

Silver Lake made history by winning its first-ever state championship in girls golf. The Eagles dominated the field, finishing 22 shots ahead of their competitors. Their exceptional team performance led to the best rounds of the tournament, with scores of 356 and 345.

Kiara Kleinig showcased her talent by finishing second overall, just six shots behind the individual winner. Alongside Kleinig, Taylor Zordel secured fourth place, while Kate Ost and Kailyn Hanni contributed to the team’s victory by finishing 25th and 30th, respectively. Madeline Fieger and Avri Broxterman tied for 34th place, further strengthening Silver Lake’s position.

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Class 6A

Washburn Rural represented the local area in the state tournament and showcased their skills at Emporia Municipal Golf Course. Starting the second day in sixth place, the Junior Blues surpassed Olathe East and Blue Valley to finish fourth overall. Senior Raegan Peterson led the team with a solid two-round performance, finishing 17th out of all the competitors.

“The greens were faster than usual, making it challenging,” Peterson explained. “These two days were a battle with the course conditions and the other golfers.”

Olivia Smith, Reece Randall, and Natalie Peterson also contributed to Washburn Rural’s success with their respective placements in 22nd, 25th, and 27th place. Colbey Stead tied for 30th, and Kailyn Petersen tied for 48th, completing the team’s efforts.

Peterson expressed her plans to continue playing golf in college but has yet to decide on a school. She believes that sticking to her own game and playing to her strengths are key takeaways from her time with the Junior Blues.

Class 5A

Unfortunately, Shawnee Heights and Seaman didn’t

Reference