With hard and consistent practice throughout the season, Manhattan High boys golf placed third at Regionals yesterday at Wamego Country Club in which they qualified for State on May 20.

According to head coach Brad Ficke, yesterday is known to be the best weather the team has played in throughout the season. After many meets in which the rain interfered with the meets, the team along with the other teams were lucky to be able to play on a nice field with incredible weather.

The team, along with Ficke, felt as though with their final score could’ve had the potential to be lower as well as their individual scores.

“We were happy to make state but not satisfied with our team score,” Ficke said.

The doubt prompted them to lower their expectations of what their score would actually be.

“I expected slightly lower scores,” senior Josh Priddle said. “I was still pleased with how the team performed.”

In total, boys golf placed third with a score of 337. The top scorer of the team was senior Cody Begnoche (80), followed by junior Casey Gritton (82). Gritton has been one of the top competitors throughout the season by being the top scorer in many of their meets. Priddle has also followed by placing high in most meets. However, Regionals was, unfortunately, a downfall for both of them in which their scores had the potential of being much higher.

“Our one and two men, Josh Priddle and Casey Gritton are capable of better scores, and they’d tell you that,” Ficke said. “Both players have scored 5-10 strokes better at WCC but, the course is tough and one mistake can easily lead to another, and another. I’m confident that they’ll bounce back and put up good numbers at State. Both are hard workers and want to finish well.”

The team has about a week to perfect their mistakes in time for State. From improving messy stokes to mental toughness, the team is prepared to work as hard as they can in order to place first at State.

“I simply want my guys to play to their potential at every tournament,” Ficke said. “So, I’m hopeful they can do that next Monday.”

State will be the last golf meet of the season. The team will travel to Newton to play at an early, 8:30 am meet on May 20. Be sure to go and support the golfers as this is their last time playing this season.