Fort Scott golf opens at Indy

INDEPENDENCE, Kan. -- Fort Scott High School's golf team finished sixth at a Southeast Kansas League designated tournament here Thursday in their first outing of the season. The Tigers finished with a score of 363, which was 31 strokes behind champion Coffeyville. Chanute was second at 342 with Pittsburg third at 343.

"We lost some very good talent (from) last year," Fort Scott had coach Ken Klassen said. "And we'll have to work hard to get better. This spring has given us little practice time.

Two non-league schools were also at this tournament. One of them, Colgan, finished fourth, so the Tigers are in fifth place in league standings with the next designated tournament taking play Tuesday at Iola.

Tanner Beckham was Fort Scott's lone medalist, finishing in 10th place. He shot 39 on the front nine and 45 on the back for a total of 84.

Nolan Stark finished tied for 13th at 42-45--87 with Lyle Brittian tied for 24th at 44-49--93. Evan Heiser finished at 50-49--99 with Blake Cowen shooting 59-56--115 and Jordan Neilson ending up at 70-59--129.

"Evan will be a very important part of our team this year but had a very rough day," Klassen said. "He'll bounce back, I'm sure. Lyle struck the ball as consistently as anyone on the team. He's been working hard on his short game and easily could become a really good scorer and dependable fourth man on our team.

"Blake and Jordan both had their first taste of varsity golf on a day when winds gusted up to 40 mph. They will improve as the season continues."

Mitch Hale of Chanute won the individual title with his 37-42--79 followed by teammate Cameron Wiltse at 38-42--80. Andrew Joy of Pittsburg was third at 41-39--80 after the scorecard tie-breaker.